Edward Mumbuu
Ovambanderu Traditional Authority will this weekend convene at Omaueuozonjanda in the Epukiro constituency to instal chief designate Eben Tjozohongo Nguvauva II as paramount chief of that community.
The installation will see scores of Ovambanderu people flock to the traditional homestead of the clan, famously known as ‘Omimbonde Vitano’ at Omaueuozonjanda.
This was confirmed by the authority’s spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe in an interview with New Era yesterday. Tjozohongo is the third eldest son of the late Ovambanderu Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva.
He will fill the void left by his half-brother, the late Kilus Munjuku III Nguvauva, who succumbed to Covid-19 late last year. According to Ngahahe, the stage is set and all logistics are in place for what is expected to be a massive occasion.
“I can say we are more than 100% ready for the coronation of our paramount chief on Sunday. Even though there are burials of prominent members of our community over the weekend, it is clear that all eyes are fixated on the coronation,” Ngahahe said.
The event which kicks off on Friday will be marked by various traditional activities, including ombimbi, ondoro and outjina [songs and rituals], drills by Ovambanderu militias and a beauty pageant where the overall winner will be crowned with an award named after the new chief and prize money. Sunday will mark Tjozohongo’s ascendence to the throne, becoming the fourth chief of the Ovambanderu community.
He follows the footsteps of his forebears: Munjuku Nguvauva, who led the community before 1880; Kahimemua Nguvauva; Munjuku II Nguvauva, and his elder half-brother Kilus, who led the community from 2014–2021.
“We are expecting people from all parts of the country, including guests from neighbouring Botswana, among them his uncle Nguvauva Nguvauva and brother Kungairi Nguvauva. We expect people to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, as we have shown in the past as a community. Everyone will be welcome, whether an invitation was sent to them or not. All traditional authorities are welcome. Government representatives will also be present,” Ngahahe continued, urging members of the public to also protect themselves against Covid-19 “which is still in our midst”.
“I will fail in my duty if I don’t extend special gratitude to our community who contributed selflessly in cash and in kind to make sure that this event is a success. I also extend appreciation to friends of the Ovambanderu people who also came on board,” he added.
At present, chief Gerson Katjirua remains the caretaker of the Ovambanderu community.
-emumbuu@nepc.com.na