Mayor Larandja Meets Vice President Witbooi to Strengthen Collaboration on Urban Challenges. In a demonstration of consultative governance and national unity, the Mayor of Windhoek, Her Worship Cllr. Ndeshihafela Larandja, paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, accompanied by the City’s Acting CEO Jenny Comalie and senior officials.
The meeting, held in the spirit of cooperation, centred on urgent social issues affecting Windhoek’s residents and the need for strengthened partnerships between local and national government structures.
Mayor Larandja congratulated Vice President Witbooi on her historic appointment and raised three key concerns requiring national intervention:
- Youth Substance Use: The Mayor expressed deep concern over the rising use of vaping devices and hubbly bubbly among school-aged youth. She urged the government to assess their health risks and called for stronger regulatory controls.
- Safe Homes for the Homeless: Citing the growing number of homeless individuals, especially street children, the Mayor emphasized the need for properly resourced safe homes. Although the City has allocated a facility, it requires renovation and intersectoral support.
- Early Childhood Development (ECD): The sustainability of three City-run ECD centres, initially supported by sister cities, is under pressure. The Mayor appealed for national assistance to maintain services critical to early education and child nutrition.
Vice President Witbooi commended the Mayor’s proactive leadership and confirmed her commitment to engaging relevant ministries. She proposed a joint meeting involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Gender, and the City to address the issues collaboratively.
She also extended an invitation to the Mayor and the Windhoek community to attend Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May at Parliament Gardens.
