Joseph Mupetami, one of Namibia’s longest-serving regional councillors from the Okatyali Constituency in the Oshana Region, stated he is considering not contesting in the upcoming regional elections, unless the people of Okatyali request his continued service.
The councillor, serving on the Swapo ticket, clarified his position in an interview with Confidente on Tuesday, stating that his previous remarks were misconstrued. “What’s being reported in the media is not exactly what I meant. I didn’t say I would step down. I said I’m considering giving others a chance, but only if that’s what the people of Okatyali want. If they still want me to serve, I’ll stand again. If they say it’s time for a change, I won’t contest,” he explained.
Mupetami is recognized as a dedicated regional councillor in the northern regions. As Namibia prepares for regional and local authority elections in November, he is contemplating a different path.
The 55-year-old Mupetami began his political career shortly after completing secondary school. He became the second councillor of Okatyali in 1998 at the age of 26, succeeding Paulus Kapiya. He has served in office for 27 years.
He indicated he has yet to consult his constituents about their desire for his continued service. “That was just my personal decision. I haven’t spoken to my people yet. Whatever they decide, I’ll follow. They’re the ones who put me in this office for all these years. I won’t ignore their wishes,” he emphasized.
Mupetami is regarded as a political stalwart in his constituency, a Swapo stronghold. It is believed that he is largely unchallenged, due to his contributions to the constituency. “I feel like I’ve served long enough,” he said. “There are also some people within the Okatyali Swapo District who have never been satisfied with either the government’s work through me or my personal efforts, even though I’ve done what many others haven’t,” he added.
According to Mupetami, he personally initiated a fund mobilization effort, leading to the completion of numerous projects. These include the construction of community halls, toilets, kindergartens, a police station, gravel roads, water pipelines, and assistance to vulnerable individuals. “I undertook all these efforts on my own to complement the government’s initiatives,” he said.
If the community decides he should not run, Mupetami is prepared to endorse a capable successor. “I am not moved or pushed by anyone to make such a decision. If people say they don’t want me anymore, I’ll leave them in good hands,” he said.
Should he not contest, Mupetami indicated he may pursue further education, particularly in climate change studies, especially with the advent of free tertiary education. “I’ve spent most of my life in politics. If my people release me from running again for this responsibility, I’ll take the opportunity to study, but if they give me another duty, I won’t reject it,” he said.
At the same time, Mupetami affirmed he would accept any responsibility entrusted to him.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes remarked that Mupetami appears undecided about his intentions. “On a personal level, Mupetami has made no clear decision. He’s making a political statement here. What’s so difficult about simply deciding, especially after being in office for so long?” he questioned.
A longtime Okatyali resident, requesting anonymity, said Mupetami is aware he will likely seek another term. “If I were him, I’d be direct and say enough is enough. Why is he going back and forth with his decision, using the constituents as an excuse?” the source questioned.
Another source within the Okatyali District suggested the upcoming district congress might opt for a new candidate, given Mupetami’s long tenure. “We appreciate everything he has done, but my brother, I don’t want problems. Giving others a chance could add a fresh perspective and build on what he has already achieved for the people,” the source said.
Johannes noted that Mupetami’s track record favors him, unless the party replaces him. “He knows he’s not going anywhere because the people appreciate what he has done, unless the party’s district congress removes him and selects a different candidate,” he added.
The analyst further suggested the introduction of term limits for councillors to prevent prolonged tenures and the current political indecision.