Suspended Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive Raphael Liswaniso has publicly alleged that Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa forced the council to suspend him. Liswaniso made the claim in an interview, stating the minister exerted pressure on the council's leadership.
Liswaniso was suspended by the Katima Mulilo Town Council in 2024. He subsequently challenged the suspension at the Office of the Labour Commissioner. In March 2025, the Labour Commissioner ruled in Liswaniso's favor, declaring his suspension unlawful and ordering his reinstatement with full benefits and back pay.
Minister James Sankwasa has not issued a public response to Liswaniso's specific allegation of direct interference. The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has previously stated it expects all local authorities to adhere to governance protocols. The Katima Mulilo Town Council has not commented on the minister's alleged role.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between some local authorities and central government in Namibia. Liswaniso's reinstatement following the labor ruling appears to have been implemented, but the allegations of political interference remain unresolved.
