Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has approved the designation of Herbert George Jacky Britz as Kaptein of the Rehoboth Baster Gemeente Traditional Community, bringing closure to a protracted leadership dispute.
In a letter dated 9 February 2026 and addressed to senior member of the traditional authority Karl Manfred Draghoender, Sankwasa confirmed that the designation was approved in terms of Section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act.
The letter instructs the traditional authority to organise the official designation ceremony on a date, time and place determined by the community and to notify the minister in advance so his office can attend and witness the official inauguration.
Britz was elected Kaptein on 24 April 2021 following the death of long-serving leader John McNab, who died in October 2020 at the age of 82. McNab had served as Kaptein since 1999.
However, the election was contested by rival candidate Rynault van Wyk, who approached both the High Court and the Supreme Court, alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
Both courts dismissed the challenge, confirming the legality of Britz’s election and clearing the way for government recognition. Speaking to New Era over the weekend, Britz said the minister’s decision was an unexpected but welcome development.
“I’m still in shock, but it’s a good shock,” he said. I did not think in my wildest dreams that this would happen. As we speak, I am still trying to process it,” he said.
He described the recognition as an important moment for the Rehoboth Baster community and Rehoboth as a whole.
“With the recognition that we have received, we have regained our human dignity,” Britz said. “For decades, we were considered second-class citizens who did not belong in this country. Now we have been recognised as one of the indigenous people of Namibia,” Britz said. According to Britz, the recognition strengthens the community’s voice in national and regional matters.
“We now have a Kaptein and council who can speak on behalf of our community with the highest authority in government,” he said.
Britz said the development also aligns with promises he made during the 2021 election campaign through an eight-point development plan aimed at restoring rights, promoting unity, and advancing economic and social development in Rehoboth.
“Many of our people wake up early every morning to travel to Windhoek to put bread on the table,” he said. “We must work to create opportunities and development here in Rehoboth.” He also highlighted improving relations with regional and local leadership, noting that the Kaptein-in-Council has already established working relationships with the Hardap governor and the Rehoboth Town Council. With ministerial approval now granted, the next step will be the official designation and inauguration ceremony, which will be organised by the traditional community.
Britz called on members of the Rehoboth Baster community to unite and work together for the future.
“There has been enough complaining. Now we must heal the wounds, pull together in unity and build a better future for our people,” he said.