Matheus Shikongo

Matheus Shikongo

Matheus Kristof Shikongo (born June 26, 1950 in Ondangwa, Oshana Region) is a Namibian politician. A member of SWAPO, Shikongo was the Mayor of Windhoek, Namibia's capital, in 1993 and from 2000-2010.[1]

On July 6, 2000, Shikongo signed a treaty with Eberhard Diepgen, then mayor of Berlin, signifying the Twin city partnership between the two.

Matheus Shikongo is also a member of the Executive Board in Namibian national power company "NamPower" with its headquarters in Windhoek.

Controversy

Shikongo was one of several Windhoek politicians "withdrawn" by SWAPO in February and March 2009 for suspected loyalty to the opposition Rally for Democracy and Progress. However, it remained unclear if he would be reinstated due to procedural problems regarding his removal. Also, Shikongo was believed to have significant political support among Ovambo people born outside of the cultural Ovamboland, known as Ombwitis. Many Ombwitis live in Katutura, a township of Windhoek.[2]

In December 2010, Shikongo was replaced as mayor by fellow member of SWAPO and deputy mayor Elaine Trepper following the .[3]

References

  1. ^ Matheus Shikongo at Namibia Institute for Democracy
  2. ^ ‘Political cleansing’ gaining momentum The Namibian, 2 March 2009
  3. ^ First black female mayor of Windhoek New Era, 6 December 2010