DECISION by the Katima Mulilo Town Council to defy a National Executive Directive aimed at banning further ties with RedForce Debt Collector , is not only bold but it’s deeply irresponsible.
Mostly at a time when city and town dwellers across Namibia are protesting the firm’s aggressive tactics.
We understand, Katima Mulilo Town Council’s leadership has chosen to remain side by side with a controversial contractor over the concerns of its own citizens , or against the will of the people and the guidance of central government.
Urban and Rural Development Minister, Mr. James Sankwasa issued a clear, formal directive on August 4, 2025 instructing all local authorities to cease renewing contracts with RedForce. The move came in response to widespread public outrage over the company’s harsh debt recovery methods, which include disconnecting off water and electricity for vulnerable residents and a 15 percent additional charge on top of monthly rates and taxes.
For many Namibians, RedForce has come to symbolise the growing gap between municipalities and the people they are meant to serve.
But instead of aligning with public sentiment or ministerial guidance, according to recent publicity by a local English daily newspaper, Katima Mulilo CEO , Mr. Raphael Liswaniso dismissed the directive as “unlawful” and vowed to continue the council’s relationship with RedForce even after the expiry of the contract.
His legal argument may be debatable, but morally, the stance is indefensible. Municipal governance should never cling to contracts that cause suffering, no matter how procedurally correct they appear on paper.
Worryingly, this is not the only time the Katima Council has raised eyebrows. Just last year, it approved the transfer of 31 hectares of riverbank land in exchange for vehicles , a deal so problematic that the minister publicly ordered the return of the cars.
Taken together, these actions paint a picture of a council that prioritizes convenience and control over transparency and public welfare. At its core, this is a question of leadership.
Katima Mulilo’s defiance sets a dangerous precedent: that councils can ignore national directives, public outcry, and ethical considerations if the legal technicalities allow. But governance isn’t just about following rules it’s about protecting people. And on that front, Katima is failing.
Failing in terms of service delivery, if we speak in reality the rates and taxes handed over to REDFORCE , owed by residents of Katima Mulilo are not really theirs because services such as refuse removals are not totally not rendered by KMTC but this is a daylight robbery.
Katima Mulilo Town Council owes the residents of Katima more than it claims, forceful removal, demolishing of plots and etc.…
Katima Mulilo Town Council’s continued defense of RedForce is a slap in the face to struggling households and a threat to public trust.
Leaders should be responsive to the people, not stubborn in the face of harm. If a contract causes more hardship than help, it must go no legal shield should protect bad decisions.
Katima Council must rethink its position, not for the minister’s sake, but for the sake of its people.
END…
By Kimmie Mikatazo
Intern Journalist, 3rd year Student: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies (Honours
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