Brandt is an international speaker, author, facilitator, and business consultant helping others develop their innate creative abilities to achieve success in business and their personal life.
By using a variety of communication and leadership tools and techniques he facilitates and develops programs that are geared towards achieving success and has helped numerous individuals and companies get out of their own way, become more creative and reach success.
Brandt is the designer of several business concepts and programs which forms part of the Castle Business Group aimed at the Creative Advancement for Stronger Thinking in Leadership and Education. He has written 4 business books of which his latest book Think Like A Negotiator has become an international best-seller.
He is a founding member of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia which forms part of the Global Speakers Association and served as the Division Director for Toastmasters International overseeing the operations and education of 125 Toastmasters Clubs and over 2800 club members in Namibia and South Africa.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share what inspired you to enter local politics?
My name is Brandt van der Westhuizen I’m an international speaker, author, and consultant focused on Creative Leadership and Innovation; a field that teaches organizations worldwide how to anticipate change, solve complex problems, and drive sustainable growth.
My decision to enter local politics stems from a desire to help my town and my community in the most impactful way possible, which is to be part of key decisions that steer our town towards growth and prosperity. I’ve spent years mentoring young entrepreneurs, building forums like World Speech Day, TEDxSwakopmund and local workshops where I’ve aimed to give the community a voice. My work with creating programs like Food is Free Swakopmund, and World Creativity and Innovation Week have been built on supporting local and building a future for all involved.
2. What unique qualities or experiences do you bring to the Swakopmund Town Council?
My goal is to bring three unique strengths to the Council. First is Innovative Thinking. Lead teams to invent new, creative answers; to build smart partnerships and develop self-sustaining business plans for our town’s services.
Second, I have a Global Network built from my international work. I can use this to bring the world’s best ideas in smart technology, green tourism, and job creation directly to Swakopmund, attracting the right money and experts to fit our town.
Third is Creative Leadership; people are our best asset. My focus will be on breaking down walls between departments and listening to all voices, making the council a true platform for teamwork.
3. What are the top priorities you would like to address if elected?
We must ensure fairness and equality in infrastructure, land allocation, housing, and tourism, moving past the current imbalances that hold our town back. We also need to urgently focus on making it easier for businesses to flourish and drive economic prosperity. Finally, we’re suffering from Brain Drain, losing our best young people. We must quickly become a ‘talent magnet’ by creating new, high-value jobs and rewarding innovation.
4. How do you plan to engage with residents and remain accountable to the community?
My plan for engagement and accountability is built on transparency and direct access. I will maximize the use of leading technologies like social media and communication apps to deliver proactive, two-way communication, ensuring the Council not only broadcasts information but actively listens and responds to resident concerns. To guarantee universal access to decision-making, all Town Council meetings should be live-streamed across platforms, with recordings permanently archived online. Finally, I will commit to a schedule of regular, in-person open meetings held across different Swakopmund neighborhoods, ensuring every resident has a direct, accessible platform to engage with their elected representatives.
5. In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing Swakopmund right now?
My view is that Swakopmund faces three core, immediate challenges that demand clear thinking and strong leadership. First; is the housing and land crisis, where the lack of affordable and dignified homes continues to fuel inequality and social strain. Second is the problem of unemployed youth and economic stagnation; our town risks losing its best talent if we don’t urgently diversify our economy beyond traditional tourism to create new, high-value jobs. Third is the widespread lack of clear public communication on key municipal issues, which destroys public trust, encourages misinformation, and prevents the community from engaging in productive solutions for vital services.
6. What message would you like to share directly with voters as election day approaches?
As election day approaches, my message to every voter is a simple one. Swakopmund is a town filled with creative and diverse people who bring incredible value, but for too long, we have been fighting over crumbs while the possibilities of tomorrow pass us by. My candidacy is a call to end the politics of scarcity and division. We have the intelligence, the passion, and the resources to build a vibrant, prosperous, and equitable future. Let’s recognize our shared potential, stop fighting over what little we have, and come together to build tomorrow, today.
I want to stress that my focus on creative leadership is about smart spending, not just nice ideas. We can’t afford to keep waiting for handouts or using outdated ways of running the town. Crucially, I will ensure the municipality is actively engaging in future thinking. To support this, I will push to start a ‘Swakopmund Innovation Fund’ (SIF). This fund will give money and guidance to local young people and entrepreneurs who have new solutions for our town’s problems. This is how we stop just receiving and start being a self-sustaining, globally recognized center for coastal innovation, proving that smart leadership is the best way to secure our future.
I was asked to do a TEDx talk on the importance and impact of culture.
