Vihanga vows to restore integrity and hope in Okahandja
Focus on ECD, youth empowerment and local development
Independent candidate and community leader Mac-Donald Vihanga says his journey toward public office has revealed both the frustrations and hopes of the people of Okahandja.
Speaking about his experiences while collecting the 150 voter signatures required under the Electoral Act, Vihanga said the process exposed deep public disillusionment with politics and the electoral system.
“People have lost confidence in the whole election process. Many feel that everyone who comes into office ends up being the same,” he said.
Vihanga, who describes himself as a spiritual leader first, says his involvement in community affairs naturally evolved into leadership. His background in innovation and social development inspired him to run as an independent candidate, representing the interests of the people rather than those of a political party.
“People misunderstand me for being like the other political party candidates who make promises just to get elected,” he said. “But I am not like them. My interest is not in politics but in restoring integrity and purpose to leadership.”
Real issues
According to Vihanga, many residents do not understand the distinction between political parties and associations such as the Okahandja Residents Progressive Association (ORPA), which he says represents the real issues of local people.
“Okahandja has been under political party leadership for over 15 years,” he explained. “Associations like ORPA exist to bring power back to the town. These are not national elections; they are local. The people managing the town must understand the issues.”
Reflecting on his seven-year record of community service, Vihanga says he has invested his personal resources into development initiatives, including youth and child welfare programmes, soup kitchens and recreational projects.
“I have given myself to Okahandja,” he said. “If the people still choose someone else, then maybe I should hand over the soup kitchen and go somewhere else. I cannot keep fighting for people who do not want to be helped.
“There is no regulation; nothing happens anyhow,” he added, citing unregulated shebeens and noise pollution in residential areas. “Politics has destroyed this nation.”
Experience
His leadership experience spans several national institutions, including the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM), where he served as a board member and helped introduce reforms such as performance agreements, leadership integrity tests and a review of the outdated Copyright Act of 1994. He also played a role in securing improved funeral benefits for artists and pushing for fairer online voting systems for members.
Vihanga has also served with the Namibia Red Cross, the National Youth Council, and the municipality’s Youth Advisory Committee, although he resigned from the latter, citing frustration with political interference and a lack of implementation.
If elected as constituency councillor, Vihanga says he plans to focus on early childhood development, youth empowerment and innovation-driven local development.
“The constituency councillor is the elder of the village,” he said. “I will form a council of elders, youth and experts to help manage our community. My strength is innovation. Once I get into office, I can pull the right strings to rebuild Okahandja.”
He describes his campaign slogan, “Okahandja’s Last Hope,” as a reflection of his faith-driven mission to restore the town’s dignity and direction.
[email protected]
Speaking about his experiences while collecting the 150 voter signatures required under the Electoral Act, Vihanga said the process exposed deep public disillusionment with politics and the electoral system.
“People have lost confidence in the whole election process. Many feel that everyone who comes into office ends up being the same,” he said.
Vihanga, who describes himself as a spiritual leader first, says his involvement in community affairs naturally evolved into leadership. His background in innovation and social development inspired him to run as an independent candidate, representing the interests of the people rather than those of a political party.
“People misunderstand me for being like the other political party candidates who make promises just to get elected,” he said. “But I am not like them. My interest is not in politics but in restoring integrity and purpose to leadership.”
Real issues
According to Vihanga, many residents do not understand the distinction between political parties and associations such as the Okahandja Residents Progressive Association (ORPA), which he says represents the real issues of local people.
“Okahandja has been under political party leadership for over 15 years,” he explained. “Associations like ORPA exist to bring power back to the town. These are not national elections; they are local. The people managing the town must understand the issues.”
Reflecting on his seven-year record of community service, Vihanga says he has invested his personal resources into development initiatives, including youth and child welfare programmes, soup kitchens and recreational projects.
“I have given myself to Okahandja,” he said. “If the people still choose someone else, then maybe I should hand over the soup kitchen and go somewhere else. I cannot keep fighting for people who do not want to be helped.
“There is no regulation; nothing happens anyhow,” he added, citing unregulated shebeens and noise pollution in residential areas. “Politics has destroyed this nation.”
Experience
His leadership experience spans several national institutions, including the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM), where he served as a board member and helped introduce reforms such as performance agreements, leadership integrity tests and a review of the outdated Copyright Act of 1994. He also played a role in securing improved funeral benefits for artists and pushing for fairer online voting systems for members.
Vihanga has also served with the Namibia Red Cross, the National Youth Council, and the municipality’s Youth Advisory Committee, although he resigned from the latter, citing frustration with political interference and a lack of implementation.
If elected as constituency councillor, Vihanga says he plans to focus on early childhood development, youth empowerment and innovation-driven local development.
“The constituency councillor is the elder of the village,” he said. “I will form a council of elders, youth and experts to help manage our community. My strength is innovation. Once I get into office, I can pull the right strings to rebuild Okahandja.”
He describes his campaign slogan, “Okahandja’s Last Hope,” as a reflection of his faith-driven mission to restore the town’s dignity and direction.
[email protected]
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