SWAKOPMUND – The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is expected to release a report on alleged irregularities that have caused a rift between some Dauredaman members and their chief Sagarias Seibeb this week.

This was confirmed yesterday by Erongo governor Neville Andre during an interview.

Andre said his office has been consulting with the pressure group and the ministry to resolve the matter between the parties.

“I have facilitated all the petitions received through my office, and the final report for feedback is expected this week. The findings and recommendations will also be shared with the community,” he said, expressing concern over the ongoing tension between the parties.

A team from the ministry visited Uis last year to investigate allegations levelled against the traditional authority since 2020, demanding the removal of their chief.

Last week, Seibeb left a community meeting he had called after members voiced concerns about the lack of development at the settlement and financial transparency within the traditional authority.

The heated meeting took place just days after elders camping at the traditional office were manhandled and forcefully removed after a court order was granted in favour of Seibeb. 

Community activist Jimmy Areseb was unable to attend the meeting after he was arrested by the Namibian Police’s Special Reserve Force.

Following his arrest, Areseb was granted bail of N$2 000 by Omaruru magistrate Asi Gariseb, with the condition that he stay away from the traditional authority’s office until the matter is finalised.

During the meeting, the community expressed frustration, accusing the chief and his councillors of giving away the area’s natural resources to foreign companies for personal benefit, while the community continues to struggle with poverty.

As a result, the community demanded that the office keys and official stamp be handed over to them so they could elect a leader of their choice.

Community spokesperson Cornelia Atjiwara said their main concern is the lack of development in Uis since the chief’s coronation in 2018.

She stated that despite the area’s mineral wealth, including large deposits of lithium and tin, Uis has seen no infrastructural or economic development.

In a September meeting, the group declared a vote of no confidence in Seibeb, citing the absence of community meetings over the past three years.

Francisca Tsuses, one of the residents evicted during the police intervention, said she and other elders are camping outside the traditional office, vowing to remain until Seibeb relinquishes the keys and stamp.

Another elder, Daniel //Aseb, accused Seibeb of neglecting his duties and operating in isolation, leaving the community uninformed about development activities.

The protesters have called for an investigation into the traditional authority’s bank accounts and fishing quotas. They also questioned the use of funds contributed by investors, accusing the chief of allowing mining and exploration without proper consultation.

Chief Seibeb has denied the allegations, claiming that no formal  complaints have been filed with his office.

“I have not been arrested or charged,” he said before leaving the meeting.

Earlier, he told New Era that he only hears about the allegations through the media or social media, or when the ministry asks him to respond to documents.

“All these allegations are just rumours. No one has come to my office to file a formal complaint,” he said. Seibeb said when he assumed leadership in 2018, the traditional authority’s financial accounts were closed. He said he used personal resources to maintain operations, and later established a trust fund supported by contributions from mining companies.

“The trust fund sponsors young people’s education. This car you see here, I used for official duties before the trust fund had money. For three years, I travelled to Swakop, Khorixas and Ondangwa using my own money and vehicle,” he added.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na