OMUTHIYA: The leadership of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has issued a directive to its councillors in the Omuthiya Town Council to cease participation in council activities starting from November 8, 2023, until further notice. This announcement signals a significant development in the local governance of Omuthiya.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the decision to instruct councillors to abstain from council activities is linked to the ongoing suspension of IPC representative Nghipundilo yaShiindi by Omuthiya Mayor Johannes Ndeutepo. YaShiindi was suspended on July 24, 2023, for alleged misconduct involving unauthorized meetings with residents of an informal settlement on July 2, 2023.

IPC's national general secretary, Christine Aochamus, expressed the party's concern over YaShiindi's prolonged suspension in a statement issued on Thursday. She indicated that IPC councillors Beata Josef and Moses Amukoto were also affected by this directive, which aligns with a code of conduct for members of local authority councils.

Aochamus clarified that the directive prohibits the IPC councillors from engaging in any activities related to the Omuthiya local authority council until an official communication rescinding the restriction is released. During this period, these councillors are not permitted to represent the IPC in any capacity within the council or perform any council-related duties.

She emphasized the party’s commitment to its electorate and warned that any IPC member defying this directive would face consequences under the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992, which could include expulsion from the party.

In response to these developments, Omuthiya Town Council spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge stated that the council had not been officially informed of this decision. Shingenge mentioned that the council was unaware of the incident and could not comment on matters only seen on social media.