KEETMANSHOOP – Amidst various challenges facing most traditional authorities across the country, the Bondelswarts community are no exception.
These challenges range from infights and land disputes to lack of funding.
When New Era recently caught up with community activist Ignatius Berend in Gibeon, he raised the concern of the patriarchal power not being operational for a long time. “The offices are closed again despite being instructed previously to remain open for service delivery to community members whilst the local traditional authority leaders are receiving monthly allowances,” he bemoaned. Berend said this has caused its members to be denied their right to assistance for land applications, disputes and a lack of developmental pro “We have natural resources, but we are still living in poverty. Maybe it is time that the relevant line minister intervenes in this matter,” he suggested. Approached for comment, senior traditional councillor Lukas Swartbooi admitted that the traditional authority is facing challenges.
“Currently, our office is closed because the intern administrator, Ambrosius Cloete, cannot run it anymore due to health challenges. In addition, we, as councillors in Gibeon, used to open it three times a week, but personal differences led to this arrangement collapsing,” he said. Swartbooi continued: “Previously, we, as councillors, had contributed a portion from our monthly allowances together with contributions from some of our members, but this is no more the case due to succession disputes amongst us”.
He said it is practically impossible for them to travel from their farms to Gibeon to run the office due to financial constraints.
“All funds we are receiving from the government and the contributions for community development form the Nama Traditional Authorities Trust are going to our headquarters in Warmbad (which is also not operational) under the control of senior councillor Hans Jossob,” he said.
However, Swartbooi said, despite all these challenges, they are still carrying out their responsibilities as prescribed by law.