CHOI – Leader of the Mashi Traditional Authority at Choi, Chief Joseph Tembwe Mayuni has expressed concern about the pro-secessionist Caprivi Concerned Group saying their activities are a major source of instability in the Zambezi that in 1998 was rocked by a secessionist uprising.
In a speech read on his behalf on Sunday at Tulikonge Annual Cultural festival, Mayuni whose traditional title is mfumu said the policy of national reconciliation initiated by the Swapo-led government to bring peace after Namibia emerged from a deadly liberation war brought peace and stability and should be guarded at all costs by all patriotic Namibians.
Mayuni who like the other chiefs in the Zambezi Region strongly condemned the secessionism ideologue propagated by exiled politician Mishake Muyongo and a few of his hardline followers, spoke out strongly saying, “The Caprivi Concerned Group is a major source of insecurity in the Zambezi Region. Their illegal intentions continue to corrupt the minds of our youths.”
“We are aware that these elements are amongst us and plan their activities undercover,” said Mayuni who is a conservationist of note and previously bagged several conservationism awards.
He also said the State expects chiefs in terms of the Traditional Authorities Act to promote peace and stability in their communities and that he will do everything in his powers to nip the subversive activities of the so-called Caprivi Concerned Group. “We condemn their activities in the strongest terms possible and advise them to stay away from our area of jurisdiction,” stated the chief.
He also expressed concern that individuals “who are not Bafwe” are tarnishing the image of the entire Mafwe tribe who are all being tainted as “secessionists” though the majority of them do not support secessionists and their ideologue.
“As a traditional leader of the Bafwe people, I would like to make it clear that the official position of my traditional authority is that Namibia should and will always remain undivided,” he reiterated.
Chief Mayuni also expressed concern that the Zambezi Region, once a top performer in academic excellency has in successive years been relegated to the bottom of academic achievement.
He also commended government for designating the development of Kongola into a village council, though he bemoaned the fact farmers in Zambezi are struggling to find a market for their crops as they prepare to till their fields for the next rainy season.
“As we speak, the next planting season is also knocking. I’m also getting worried that a number of farmers are still holding large amount of maize that need to be marketed,” said the mfumu.
Caption (Mfumu):