Councillor Ndeshihafela Larandja is the current Mayor of the City of Windhoek since January 2025. A visionary leader with a resolute commitment to good governance, development, and community upliftment, she ascended to the Windhoek Municipal Council in December 2020 as a representative of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Before her appointment as Mayor, Cllr. Larandja served and continues to serve as the Chief Whip of the IPC and a member of that party’s Regional Executive Committee.

 

Within the Windhoek Municipal Council, she has played an instrumental role in steering governance and policy, serving as the Chairperson of the Disaster Risk Management Committee, a member of the Financial Sustainability, Performance Management & Policy Committee, and a member of the Land Delivery & Provision of Affordable Housing Committee. Cllr. Larandja’s tenure as Mayor is marked by an unwavering dedication to Local Economic Development, focusing on key areas such as Arts, Culture, Tourism, Food Security, Sustainability, and Waste Management. She is particularly passionate about social integration, improving social welfare, and enhancing the provision of basic services in the informal settlements of Windhoek. She is also a staunch advocate for youth empowerment and increased youth participation in Local Government affairs.

 

Beyond her political contributions, Mayor Larandja boasts an exceptional academic portfolio. She holds a Master of Commerce, specialising in Governance & Strategic Leadership from the Midlands State University of Zimbabwe, as well as an MBA in Business Management from the International University of Management (IUM). She further obtained a B-Tech in Business Administration, a National Diploma in Commerce, and an Honours Degree in Procurement Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). She is currently pursuing certification as an International Procurement Specialist, exemplifying her commitment to continuous professional development.

By profession, Mayor Larandja is a Senior Auditor at the Office of the Auditor General, skilfully balancing her full-time career with her municipal leadership responsibilities. Her financial acumen and expertise in governance and procurement bolster her ability to drive the city’s economic and infrastructural development.

 

Mayor Larandja is a leader of action and vision. She embodies the belief that Namibia’s prosperity is deeply intertwined with sustainable urban development and structural economic transformation. Her goal is to position Windhoek as a city of growth and opportunity, aligning with national and international development frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her leadership is defined by a people-centric approach, ensuring that governance translates into tangible benefits for all residents.

 

A dedicated servant of the people, Mayor Larandja continues to champion inclusive governance, innovative policy-making, and a future-focused vision for the City of Windhoek.