Meet our JWBRA Candidates for the 2025 Local Authority Elections

JWBRA Team
Oct 25
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Walvis Bay deserves a council that works for its people — one that listens, delivers, and restores pride in our town. The Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association (JWBRA) is fielding a team of proven community builders, business leaders, and lifelong residents who know what it means to serve.

Each candidate brings a track record of action, not talk — united by one purpose: to make our leadership accountable. Find out how we plan to do that here.

Vote the Whale for Walvis Bay. Vote for a resident-powered Council.

Are you voting this year?

0%Oh, definitely!
0%Nah, I don't care.

JWBRA's Candidate Line-Up

Sharon Roodt

Known for her determination and grit, Sharon Roodt embodies the “get-it-done” attitude Walvis Bay needs. From managing the complex shutdown of the South African military base in 1994 to building one of the town’s longest-standing small businesses, she has shown calm leadership in crisis and resilience in adversity. Sharon has spent nearly five years reporting community issues and pushing for transparency in local affairs. Her motivation is simple: to get politics out of the way and get service delivery back on track.

Danie du Toit

A respected tradesman and training pioneer, Danie du Toit is best known for introducing the Millwright Artisan Training to Namibia, which equipped generations of multi-skilled Namibian technicians. His decades of technical expertise and commitment to disciplined, safe workplaces make him a strong advocate for practical solutions to Walvis Bay’s infrastructure challenges. Danie’s leadership blends experience with accountability — and his belief that results come from precision, hard work, and pride in one’s craft.

Gavin Brasler

From the shipyards to the boardroom, Gavin Brasler helped build a multimillion-dollar blasting and painting company from the ground up. Managing hundreds of employees at a time, he set international standards for quality, safety, and teamwork in the maritime industry. His leadership philosophy — “lead by example” — defines his approach to governance. Having seen how frustration has grown among residents, Gavin is stepping forward because, as he says, “somebody has to stand up somewhere and do something.”

Peter John Davidson

A respected businessman and sports leader, Peter Davidson brings decades of managerial and community experience. As the former chairman of the Namibia Hockey Union, the Namibian Sailing Association, and the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, he has long championed teamwork and service. With a background in managing supply and servicing for the mining industry, Peter offers steady, results-driven leadership. He stands for professionalism, accountability, and restoring Walvis Bay to the standard its residents deserve.

C.J. Jansen

Cornelius J. Jansen has lived in Walvis Bay since 1987 and holds an Honours degree in Educational Leadership and Management. His years of community involvement, combined with his experience in education and faith-based service, have equipped him to understand the needs and aspirations of residents. CJ believes in transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration as the cornerstones of good governance — to create a Walvis Bay where every voice matters and every household feels heard.

Robin C. Raines

With over 37 years of experience in business, management, and labour relations, Robin Raines is a firm believer in standards — not politics. As founder of Labour Dynamics, he has worked across Namibia to promote fairness, training, and workplace integrity. A long-time Walvis Bay resident and chairperson of Zone 6 Neighbourhood Watch, Robin has seen first-hand how neglect has eroded public trust. His message is clear: “It’s time to bring back standards — not race, not connections, not corruption — just standards.”

Nadja Figueiredo

Born in Windhoek and raised in Walvis Bay, Nadja Figueiredo returned home after years in Europe and South Africa to find her beloved town in decline — and chose to do something about it. She initiated and led the upgrades of Lagoon Park, Esplanade Park, and Meersig Park, creating vibrant community spaces for families. Nadja’s focus is on youth recreation and civic facilities — the parks, playgrounds, and safe spaces that make a town feel alive. Her work reflects the JWBRA’s belief that community pride begins at home.

Bernette Louw

A local with years of experience in entrepreneurship and management, Bernette Louw convinces with honesty, transparency and hard work. Her focus on animal welfare has led her to foster a number of kittens over the years and she does everything she can to educate people on this important topic. Bernette's passion for Walvis Bay and the people here shines through in everything she does.

Gerhard Coeln

Engineer, consultant, and former CEO of Erongo RED, Gerhard Coeln brings unmatched technical expertise and strategic thinking to the JWBRA team. With qualifications from the University of Cape Town, Heriot-Watt University, and the University of the Witwatersrand, his career spans decades in energy management and telecommunications. Gerhard’s leadership in both public and private sectors (including senior roles in the Municipality of Walvis Bay) gives him deep insight into what it takes to manage complex systems efficiently and transparently.

Ansie van Vuuren

A lifelong resident and former principal of Duneside High School, Ansie van Vuuren has shaped the lives of countless Walvis Bay families. As treasurer of the Rotary Club and a representative on the Erongo RED Consumer Liaison Committee, she continues to serve with compassion and commitment. Her ongoing literacy project, providing books to local schools, reflects her belief that strong communities begin with education. Ansie brings discipline, empathy, and integrity to everything she does — values our council sorely needs.

A Team Rooted in Walvis Bay

The JWBRA’s candidates represent the strength, skill, and spirit of our town — educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community builders united by one goal: to restore trust and deliver results. This election, let’s choose capable hands and clear priorities.

Vote JWBRA. Vote the Whale for Walvis Bay.