KATIMA MULILO – The exorbitant prices and sale of communal land are getting out of hand, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu has said.

“Land has become very expensive. Land, even communal land, is being sold left and right, which shouldn’t be the case. Who has the right to determine the cost of communal land? People just come and say, ‘this is just one hectare, bring N$60 000’. The other induna (traditional councillor) will say N$100 000, and another induna will say N$3 000. 

Who determines the cost of communal land? This should not be the case. We have to enhance the understanding of the traditional authorities. There should be a common understanding whether you go to Zambezi, Kavango, Hardap and so on. There should be a common understanding of our traditional authorities,” he reiterated.

The governor made these remarks yesterday at the opening of the human rights training organised by the Ombudsman’s office in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Namibia-Angola.

The three-day workshop, which is being attended by various stakeholders comprising the judiciary, police and the community at large, seeks to discuss various human rights’ issues ranging from land rights, human trafficking, gender-based violence, rights of persons with disabilities, as well as statelessness and birth registrations.

Sampofu said these are crucial matters that need to be deliberated upon in upholding human rights. 

“Our border at Katima Mulilo is where most trafficking of persons is taking place. People from as far as Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, DRC and West Africa pass through here,” he stated.

In his remarks, Katima Mulilo mayor John Ntemwa called on the participants to use the platform for robust learning, and thoughtful exchange.

 “Together, we can shed light on the path towards a future where every citizen’s rights and dignity in our region are upheld, where justice is within reach for all, and where our collective actions resonate with the principles of the sustainable development goals,” he added.   

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Natalie Russmann said there is a need to promote the role of the Ombudsman as far as human rights are concerned. 

She added that her organisation remains committed to promoting the rule of law and access to justice.

“Our mandate is to promote democracy, rule of law, and justice. The office of the Ombudsman and our mandate goes line in line, which is why our partnership is so important,” she noted.

*Aron Mushaukwa is an information officer in the MICT, Zambezi region.