Independent candidates managed to scoop three constituencies in the Kavango regions during the recently concluded Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections. 

There has been a rise in the number of independent candidates in the country. 

Michael Naiteta emerged victorious when he won over residents of the Ncuncuni constituency in the Kavango West Region. 

He explained what motivated him to run, saying, "The activities in the constituencies were not taking place. And that is bold. Bold in the sense that people were deprived of the country's benefits." 

Naiteta said he is going to use his professional background to assist in bringing changes to his community. 

"I studied Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. I completed my studies in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I joined RVTC (Rundu Vocational Training Center) at some point. That's where I am now as a professional project coordinator. At times, we encounter structures that are in poor condition. People do not know how to attend to those things. At times, we want to replace pipes, tanks, boreholes, etc. As a result, people are often unsure about which fittings to use. Occasionally, we want to work on electrical systems. Do we have the experience of doing that? Maybe I do."

Petrus Kashumali will be the regional councillor for the Mashare constituency. A mathematics and science teacher, Kashumali is no stranger to politics. 

"I'm still head of department for that same subject, mathematics and science. As I mentioned earlier, I began my involvement in politics approximately 25 years ago. I've been very active in politics. I served in various roles within the Swapo Party, particularly in the youth league, from section and branch to district and regional levels, including as a regional mobiliser for Kavango East after its division. First was for Kavango, before it was split into two, but then when we split Kavango, I then took the Kavango East region."

Apart from being the campaign manager for Rundu Rural's Constituency Councillor, Paulus Mbangu, Kashumali also served on various constituency committees and said their partnership will benefit communities in Kavango East. 

"Even if there is a challenge, I can call him, and we can go together. Two councillors addressing people, two councillors solving issues, because we are friends already. I don't think someone will stop us from doing that, because all we want is to deliver service to the people."

Paulus Mbangu, who contested for a second term for the regional councillor position in the Rundu Rural Constituency, said going solo is a bold and unpopular decision, but it's worth taking. 

"This serves as a lesson to all political parties, not just one, that when you field a candidate, you should choose a capable one. Once you field just any person based on how many meetings that person has attended, regardless of their capability, then obviously you will invite room for more independent candidates to contest. I think it's a wake-up call to all the political parties."