All You Need to Know About the JWBRA
- JWBRA Team
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 6
What is the JWBRA?
JWBRA stands for the "Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association". Our goal is the total, inclusive development of Walvis Bay. As a non-profit, non-political organisation, that means we participate in the affairs of our local authority - getting into council, working with the municipality to improve services and making residents' voices heard.
JWBRA's Mission
Our mission is to empower and support residents of Walvis Bay to become active and engaged members of the community. We aim to create opportunities for residents to come together, share their ideas and concerns, and work collaboratively to address issues and improve the quality of life for everyone in the area.
In short, we help Walvis Bay residents run their town their way.
A Vision for the Future
Our vision is to create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and connected. We believe that by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration, we can build a more resilient and sustainable community that is able to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
We are working for a town where people feel safe and dignified. Where public service is efficient and affordable. Where people want to live, and are taken seriously by their local government.
How Did the JWBRA Start?
Formed in 2019 as a response to ailing infrastructure and lack of development in Walvis Bay, the JWBRA was initially a ratepayer's association. But even back then, our aim was clear: to initiate real reform in the way the municipality does business.
With very little time and resources, the JWBRA achieved the unthinkable: a foot in the door, a seat on Walvis Bay's council! Since then, we have advocated for accountability, better financial management and development of infrastructure by lobbying key groups and submitting motions to Council.
Our Outlook for 2026-2031
We've worked hard to affect change, but adjusting the wheels of government is no small task. And all throughout this time, Walvis Bay's infrastructure and service delivery just kept deteroriating. But enough is enough! To save our town, we're aiming to get a majority vote in the upcoming local elections.
Only when we control Council do we control the fate of Walvis Bay. Find out why this works here.
What Does the JWBRA do?
As the Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association, we advocate for residents' rights, engage with local government and monitor infrastructure or service delivery concerns.
Fighting for Your Resident Rights
As a resident of Walvis Bay, you have certain rights. The Local Authority Council, and thereby the municipality, is supposed to keep you informed and up to date. You have a right to safety and working public services. You're allowed to submit proposals and motions to Council, and Council is supposed to be transparent about how they run the town.
Part of our work as the Residents Association is to inform you about your rights and make sure the Local Authority Council takes them seriously.
Your Connection to Local Government
No matter how many people from the JWBRA sit on the Walvis Bay Council, you can always count on us to be a bridge between you, the municipality and wider government. We gather and relay important information through our social media, newsletter and Whatsapp groups. When you share a problem with us, we help you get in touch with the right people - and if we see that a problem is more wide-spread, we lobby the Council for a solution.
Holding Council Accountable
Walvis Bay's infrastructure is failing on a large scale, due to many reasons. Part of our work is identifying gaps in service delivery and presenting Council with motions on how to address them. We're always looking for expert opinions on how to improve things, like the 2025/2026 Budget - which our Councillor opposed but was pushed through anyway.
Our Projects and Campaigns
Although we only started in 2019, we are actively involved in the Walvis Bay community. We renovated many of the benches on the lagoon walkway in 2024 and have submitted numerous motions to Council, including one for a performance appraisal system.
2025 Local Authority Elections - JWBRA for Walvis Bay
With the Local Authority elections coming up, we are getting ready to fight for our town! If you are fed up with the endless potholes, sewage-flooded roads and dismal state of the landfill, get involved with our campaign!
You can donate to our cause, endorse our candidates or volunteer to help with outreach.
How to Support the JWBRA
Whatever you think of Walvis Bay, it can only get better when you get involved.
Stay Informed in Walvis Bay
Still testing the waters? Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media or join our Whatsapp group - no commitment but all the information you need.
JWBRA Membership
If you want to support us directly and get an active say in the projects we tackle, become a member! Simply fill out the sign-up form here and follow the steps.
As a member, you get automatic access to our newsletter and Whatsapp groups. At our Annual General Meeting, you can vote on the committee and big strategic decisions. But even during the day-to-day, you're welcome to give us feedback or suggest new projects! After all, we exist for your benefit.
Volunteering and Other Support
We are always looking for help - our committee members do their work for free and there seems never enough time. Get in touch if you want to donate your time or money!
The JWBRA and the Local Authority of Walvis Bay
Elections for the Local Authority Councils are happening regularly. The next one will be in late 2025, and we need you to get involved!
Selecting and Vetting Council Candidates
People who wish to run for a local authority council need to be Namibian citizens, 21 years or older and belong to a registered party or organization. Participating in local government as a councillor is a big effort and commitment, with a big payoff: It gives you the unique chance to directly and immediately change the way things are done!
With elections coming up, we are opening our nomination process. If you or someone you know is passionate about Walvis Bay, read more here.
How Does the JWBRA Support Council Candidates?
Residents of Walvis Bay who are interesting in running for Councillor need to belong to a registered organisation, such as the Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association. By combining efforts, our association gains outstanding council candidates and candidates receive dedicated support.
Through our members, we have guaranteed votes for our organization. The more votes an organization gets, the more seats they receive in the Local Authority Council. By joining JWBRA, Council candidates benefit from pooling their supporters with ours and stand a better chance to win a seat.
Working together allows our association to reach more people, and Council candidates to draw upon an organised support network with endorsement from key businesses in town. If you want to change things in Walvis Bay, joining the JWBRA to run for Council is your best bet!
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