Alderwoman Fransina Ndateelela Kahungu was born in Okapanda village, in the Anamulenge Constituency of Omusati Region in northern Namibia. She is the longest-serving member of the current Windhoek Municipal Council and previously held the positions of Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the City of Windhoek from November 2019 to November 2021.

 

She is deeply committed to human development, with a particular focus on empowering individuals to realise their full potential. When reflecting on her sources of inspiration, Alderwoman Kahungu attributes her strength to her faith, while also acknowledging the influence of her parents: her father, who instilled in her a strong work ethic, and her mother, who nurtured the values of honesty and integrity.

 

Alderwoman Kahungu has a professional background in education, having served for many years as a teacher. She holds a teaching diploma as well as a master’s degree with a focus on housing and land delivery. Her career journey reflects resilience and determination, beginning with roles as a domestic and field worker on various projects, and progressing to leadership positions. She currently serves as Secretary of the SWAPO Party Women’s Council.

 

In her role as Councillor, Alderwoman Kahungu prioritises economic, social, and political development. She advocates for the creation of sustainable revenue streams to strengthen the City of Windhoek’s capacity to deliver essential services. Central to her vision is the promotion of economic growth and employment opportunities, enabling residents to afford municipal services. She emphasises the importance of supporting informal traders and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recognising them as vital contributors to the city’s economy.

 

She also wants the City of Windhoek to revise its land delivery policies and offer residents residing on municipal land an opportunity to buy the land that they occupy.

 

In addition, Alderwoman Kahungu advocates for climate-conscious urban development, including the promotion of urban agriculture and the establishment of dedicated cycling lanes. She further highlights the importance of collaboration between political leaders and technical staff to enhance service delivery and meet the expectations of Windhoek residents.

 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Alderwoman Kahungu describes herself as a humble individual who finds joy in simple pleasures. She has a deep appreciation for cultural expression, including traditional plays and dances, as well as fashion and outdoor activities. She is particularly passionate about singing and dancing, and often remarks that, had she not pursued a career in education and politics, she would have followed a path in the performing arts.