Phillip Balhao, the former mayor of Luderitz Town Council, has clarified his recent resignation from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). 

Speculations had it that Balhao resigned after failing to secure a spot among the top three on the party's Luderitz Town Council candidate list for the upcoming Local Authority election. 

Balhao, however, told NBC News he felt undervalued, despite his dedication to serving both the party and community, and this prompted his resignation. 

"I just felt I needed to move on to something different where my efforts would be more appreciated, where I can add value to an initiative, and where I feel more at home."

Balhao acknowledged that, following his resignation and after being approached by residents, he began to establish the Luderitz Rate Payers Association, which was set to participate in the Local Authority election. 

"Unfortunately, when we spoke with the ECN this morning (Monday), they confirmed that we were too late to register for this election because there is a month for objections, and we did not submit our registration in time. However, I believe this also provides us with time to properly establish our structures and create something substantial. Yeah, we look forward to what lies ahead for the next five years."

The former mayor confirmed the Landless People's Movement has also approached him to join the party. 

He, however, said he still has to decide on the proposal after consulting with family and like-minded and concerned residents of Luderitz.