SWAKOPMUND – Former Dâure Daman chief Zacharias Seibeb has thrown in the towel in his quest to be reinstated to the throne.
Following complaints and a dethroning process from his community, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah withdrew Seibeb’s designation under Section 8(4) of the Traditional Authorities Act last year.
As a result, Seibeb approached the High Court to set aside the withdrawal decision by the President and the Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa.
In his founding affidavit, Seibeb said he remains the chief of his clan.
“I am the duly recognised traditional chief of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority. Hence, I instituted a review application seeking to set aside the decision taken by the respondent on 14 November,” he said in the affidavit.
Seibeb said the State had not properly responded to his review application despite proper service.
Withdrawal
However, court documents show that Seibeb withdrew the application on 24 April 2026, effectively ending his legal challenge against the President’s decision.
Earlier this year, Judge Beatrix de Jager ordered the matter to proceed and directed the respondents to file the relevant court record and answering papers.
However, before the matter could proceed further, Seibeb withdrew. The reasons for the withdrawal were not disclosed in the court documents.
“Kindly take note that the applicant above hereby withdraws the above-mentioned application,” reads the High Court document.
Seibeb served from 17 March 2018 after chief Elias Thaniseb died in 2018.
However, a concerned group has been advocating for his removal due to alleged irregularities during his reign as chief.
Their efforts intensified in 2021, resulting in several protests and the collection of over 600 signatures from the community calling for his removal.
They have been camping and protesting for years in front of the traditional office in Uis to remove Seibeb. In 2024, the group also demanded a halt to all mining activities within their jurisdiction and called for a full investigation into alleged irregularities. They accused Seibeb of sidelining key elders, failing to consult the community and lacking transparency in the management of the community fund, resulting in his removal.
Intervention
Meanwhile, acting chairperson of the traditional council Herman Naruseb has sought intervention from Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses on the way forward regarding the Dâure Daman chieftaincy position.
In a letter addressed to the governor in April, he said there was growing division among councillors due to uncertainty over the leadership of the traditional authority. According to Naruseb, the traditional council is under increasing pressure, in terms of its customary law, to engage in discussions relating to the succession process.
In her response, /Goagoses said that, given the complexity and sensitivity of the matter, she had requested the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to provide technical personnel to guide and support the resolution process.
“We therefore request your patience as we await the ministry’s support, ensuring that the engagements proceed in a lawful, transparent and culturally respectful manner,” /Goagoses said.