In accordance with the Local Authority Act, Act 23 of 1992, the Mayor of Oranjemund serves as the political
head
and Chairperson of the Council. In line with the regulations governing elected municipal leaders in Namibia,
the
Mayor and Councilors of the Oranjemund Town Council have no executive powers and perform their duties on a
part-time basis. The Local Authority Act, Act 23 of 1992, grants the Mayor supervisory powers over the
Council
concerning policy direction and the execution of all development programs and projects.
Powers and Functions of the Mayor
The powers and functions of the Mayors are prescribed in the Local Authorities Act (Act 23 of 1992). In
terms of
the statutory functions of the Mayor of a Municipal Council, the Mayor is responsible for, amongst others to
be
the principal head and, in consultation with the Municipal Council to:
- Initiate and formulate planning and development policies;
- Initiate and promote the creation of employment;
- Closely monitor the implementation of the policies;
- Be accountable to the inhabitants of the local authority;
- Engage and consult with the Municipal Council, to solve any issues pertaining to the local
authority;
- Be responsible for the promotion and creation of the social well-being of the inhabitants of the
local
authority.
The Council
In terms of Section 11 and 21 of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992) as amended, Local
Authority
Councils are required to elect Office Bearers every year before the expiry of the term of the current Office
Bearers. A full local authority Council serves for a five (5) year term, while its Office bearers being the
Mayor, Deputy Mayor and members of the Management Committee are elected every year.
The Management Committee
The Management Committee as per the legislation is a sub-committee of Council ensuring that the decisions of
the
Council are carried out. The committee is composed of five members, nominated amongst the Honourable
Councillors, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as ex-officious, with no voting rights.
The Management committee is responsible for the final compilation of the budget for approval by Council and
has
delegated powers to control expenditure of Council and report at meetings of Council on the exercise of the
powers, the performance of duties and functions delegated.
