ǁHoabes was also studying part-time for a master's degree when she was first elected mayor of Swakopmund, Namibia's fourth largest city in January 2003.
[2][3] During ǁHoabes' first tenure as mayor, the city's 1882 jetty was refurbished at a cost of N$4 million, having been closed for seven years on safety grounds.
[7][8] She stood for a seat as councillor representing the SWAPO party in 2010, she was successful and was re-elected mayor by the council on 2 December 2010.
[9][10] In June 2012, as mayor, ǁHoabes launched the Namibia's Coast: ocean riches and desert treasures book on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
[14][6] She was also appointed chairperson of the Retirement Fund for Local Authorities and Utility Service in Namibia (RFLAUN) in 2015.