The Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality of Walvis Bay, Victoria N. Kapenda, has requested written clarification regarding the appointment of Murorua Kurtz Kasper Legal Practitioners, raising questions about the procedures followed during a special council meeting on 14 October.
In a letter dated 16 October 2026 to Council Vice-Chairperson Miina Hangula, seen by Namib Times, Kapenda sought clarification on whether the meeting complied with the applicable procedures and whether the law firm’s appointment had been properly authorised.
Among the matters raised was the meeting’s commencement at 16:00 and its subsequent reconvening at 18:20. Kapenda requested clarification on compliance with the applicable 72-hour notice requirements, the circumstances surrounding the adjournment and reconvening, and the application of Rule 4 of the Standing Rules governing local authority council meetings.
She also sought clarification on the legal basis for proceeding with the adoption of resolutions after the meeting reconvened.
Regarding the appointment of Murorua Kurtz Kasper Legal Practitioners, Kapenda requested confirmation of the authority under which the firm was appointed and whether the decision was taken collectively by council or instructions were issued by an individual councillor or official.
She further raised questions about compliance with the Minister of Finance’s directive of 29 November 2018 and applicable procurement and financial requirements, including relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act of 2015.
The CEO also requested confirmation that the necessary approvals had been obtained and that a formal written mandate had been issued to the firm.
Kapenda emphasised that her questions should not be interpreted as a refusal to implement a lawful council resolution, but as an effort to protect the municipality from potential legal and financial consequences.
She clarified that she was not making a conclusive finding on the validity of the appointment or the conduct of any individual. “Pending clarification of the matters raised, I expressly reserve my position concerning the procedural regularity, legal effect and implementation of the decisions in question,” Kapenda wrote. She requested a written response as soon as reasonably practicable before determining the appropriate administrative steps.
The letter raises questions about the procedures surrounding the council meeting and the law firm’s appointment but does not, in itself, establish that the appointment was unlawful or that any individual acted improperly.
By Rudi Bowe
