Rudolf Gaiseb

Some northerners are divided, distressed and confused amid ongoing disputes over traditional authority in certain regions.

This is according to the Body of Christ Party (BCP) president Festus Thomas.

During the Tuesday Parliament session, he argued that the voices of legitimate traditional communities are being undermined. 

He added that leadership is being imposed on them by traditional authorities in villages such as Oshifitu and Oupili in the Ohangwena region as well as Oneputa village in the Oshikoto region.

“Tribalism is still very much alive and well in these regions,” he said.

Reports indicate that, in some villages, senior headmen have unlawfully appointed new headmen and removed those recognised by the government. 

Some have even taken away official village stamps without explanation or following proper procedures.

“This is unacceptable in a democratic country,” Thomas said on Tuesday.

Section 6 of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), states that only the Minister of Urban and Rural Development has the power to recognise or deny recognition of a traditional leader following appropriate consultation and recommendation.

“According to Section 5 [of the same act], such measures must be taken with the participation of the impacted community and in conformity with customary law,” Thomas stressed.

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Photo: Heather Erdmann