Ongwediva
From the humble beginnings of volunteering himself to serve the Swapo Party and the community Joseph Mupetami, the constituency councillor of Okatyali Constituency in Oshana Region has risen to become one of the most talked about councillors of his time.
Mupetami, nicknamed “Omupiya Gwoshigwana” (servant of the people), is popular on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)’s morning talk show on the Oshiwambo service. He became a councillor of the constituency at the age of 28, only a few years after finishing school in 1998, and has served Okatyali for the past 17 years.
Prior to being elected councillor of Okatyali, Mupetami volunteered to serve the community and also served on different committees in Swapo, including that of being a district mobiliser in his constituency.
During an interview with New Era on Monday Mupetami said he draws strength to execute his work from his predecessor, Paulus Kapia, and also from his humble upbringing. He said he is constantly reminded to use his knowledge and talents to serve his people.
Self-described as a “tested leader”, Mupetami said being a constituency councillor is not a job as such, but an opportunity to serve and address the nation’s needs: “I am in the job, because I was voted in to serve my people. I did not look for this job. Once I’m voted out I will go and job hunt, but now my primary aim is to address the needs of my people.”
Mupetami, who has served the constituency for four consecutive terms, said putting the needs of those who empowered him first has motivated him to initiate projects, and to support projects initiated by the community.
Mupetami, who did not want to detail what he has achieved as a councillor, said leadership is not a contest and advised those who want to see what he has done for his constituency to visit and interview the people and see the work on the ground. He was, however, eager to show that he has a heart for the elderly, orphans and vulnerable children, people with disabilities and the youth, and has worked closely with the aforementioned to better their lives.
“I’m more involved in assisting the poor community in my constituency. Sometimes I even go to the extent to share my salary with those in need, but one thing that really makes me happy is the number of youths that have received training during my tenure,” he said.
Mupetami said he has wholeheartedly joined President Hage Geingob’s call to fight against poverty, saying he already has programmes in place to address poverty.
Asked how he gained such popularity to become one of the most talked about councillors of his time, Mupetami said that in his view leadership is not a race: “One’s work speaks volumes to the nation.
“At the end of my tenure I want all the people to be content with my work. I do not want to leave anyone disappointed, and if I am a really doing a good job… then my colleagues should emulate my work.”
Mupetami, who is expected to join the National Council this year, appealed to residents of his constituency to be patient, as he juggles between the two offices. He vowed to continue rendering his full support to the local community.
“To serve two offices is not a challenge, I just need my people’s support me. I’ve already started to enlighten my people about how we will work in my absence,” Mupetami said.