Land disputes have erupted in Okahandja, with community activist Johannes │Gaseb accusing the Town Council of favouritism and politically motivated land allocations—claims the Municipality has denied.
In a formal objection, │Gaseb challenged the Municipality’s June 11 land allocations under Notice 01/2025, saying the process was unjust and skewed in favour of politically connected businesses over long-time residents.
“When we did our thorough research we have realized that these companies were politically affiliated business people, people that are already having plots, flats, houses, they are renting out, there are known landlords which form part of the list,” said Gaseb.
He also referenced a 2020 court settlement that directed the Municipality to allocate land to specific residents who had opposed eviction, saying that promise remains unfulfilled.
“The council was supposed to allocate land to the individuals… while there was land that they grabbed. But until now, some of those people passed away, the rest didn’t get the land, they are just waiting. And for me, that was spearheading that court application… I thought, let me bring it in here and say it to the council. Now here you are seated with 12 to 15 names, you didn’t honour the court settlement, yet you are giving land to business people,” he said.
Gaseb is calling for a halt to the current land deals, an independent investigation, and a transparent system that prioritises ordinary citizens.
Municipal spokesperson Penna Master defended the process, saying it followed council procedures.
“All individuals and entities listed under Notice 01/2025 submitted formal applications and presented their proposed developments to Council. The majority of allocations involve industrial or business-zoned erven, which align with the town’s development priorities and contribute to economic growth and job creation,” said Master.
She added that some residential allocations were formalisations of existing occupants, in line with the Local Authorities Act.
“The process follows legal procedures and municipal protocols,” she said.
Responding to allegations of political bias, Master dismissed them as vague and unsubstantiated.
“The allegation is vague and lacks supporting details. Council considers all applications based on merit and in accordance with the law. Every individual has the right to freedom of association, which Council cannot regulate. If there are specific concerns with evidence, they should be submitted through the appropriate channels.”
Meanwhile, a resident from the 5 Rand settlement near Okahandja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed they are losing a fully paid-off plot that was reportedly reassigned—despite prior assurances from the municipality.
Gaseb insists the allocation process raises serious concerns and vowed to continue advocating for long-waiting residents.