Swapo councillor elected Keetmanshoop mayor in July 2026, previously resigned as ||Kharas Football Region chairman citing statutory conflict.
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The Namibian
Emrico Blaauw says bid twice before finally succeeding to host the Newspaper Cup
“"Remember, we already bid twice to host this cup – first it went to Gobabis in 2024, and then last year it went to Kunene, but now we were successful, so it was a three-year project this time around," he says.”
||Kharas aims to host spectacular showThe Keetmanshoop municipal council has elected Swapo councillor Emrico Blaauw as the town's new mayor, with Beata Set as deputy mayor. The election follows the recall of LPM mayor Melody Swartbooi in June.
18 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Keetmanshoop municipal council has elected Swapo councillor Emrico Blaauw as the town's new mayor, with Beata Set as deputy mayor. The election follows the recall of LPM mayor Melody Swartbooi in June.
18 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has withdrawn councillor Pieter Skeyer from the Keetmanshoop Town Council, citing alleged violations of party directives. Skeyer, who served six months, said his decisions were based on personal conviction and will now focus on his role as school principal.
18 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Emrico Blaauw has resigned as ||Kharas Football Region chairman, citing that his simultaneous service as a Keetmanshoop Municipality councillor contravenes the Namibia Sports Act and NFA statutes. He recommends the vice chairperson assume the role until the next elections.
10 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The acting chief executive of Keetmanshoop municipality was recalled by councillors over alleged financial non-compliance, including a financial services company appointed without following procurement procedures and incomplete financial records. The municipality is also facing legal and governance challenges, including a court dispute over its management committee composition.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi dismissed ousted Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi after she allegedly failed to ensure a motion of no confidence against two fellow LPM councillors was brought to council, with derogatory WhatsApp messages and audio recordings revealing long-standing tensions between them.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the Keetmanshoop Municipality over alleged irregularities in a N$3.4-million service level agreement awarded to JJF Investments and Bellatrix SME Finance for the supply of prepaid electricity meters. The Ministry of Finance also launched an investigation after receiving information alleging non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Keetmanshoop municipality pays N$391,000 a month to rent 26 vehicles from Avis Fleet, including a Mercedes-Benz for the mayor, prompting criticism from councillors who call the expenditure wasteful given the municipality's financial constraints.
28 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The youth development tournament, bringing together under-20 football and netball teams from all 14 regions, is scheduled for 3–6 April in Keetmanshoop with over 1,000 players and delegates expected. Organisers say preparations are nearly complete, with infrastructure improvements including renovated facilities, new soccer fields and netball courts, and accommodation secured across local schools and town venues.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Fishing company NovaNam has donated supplies to the ||Kharas under-20 football team preparing for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. The ||Kharas Football chairperson says the sponsorship came at a crucial time and called on regional businesses to support youth sports and community development.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The ||Kharas region will host the 24th edition of The Namibian Newspaper Cup at Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April after winning hosting rights on their third bid attempt. The region has completed stadium renovations including new lighting and resurfaced fields, and aims to replicate the success of their previous 2012 hosting while competing to win the tournament for the second time since 2019.
11 March 2026 · The Namibian →