Most of the traditional authorities in the northern regions, have gone on recess from all the official activities to allow traditional leaders and their subjects to concentrate on the festivities of the seasonal alcoholic beverage of omagongo.
With the exemption of Ondonga Traditional Authority, most major traditional authorities have confirmed that they have indeed suspended their official activities, including traditional courts.
On Monday, a senior councillor, who is also the spokesperson of Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, Elias Waandja, announced that all traditional courts, as well as other official activities for his traditional authority, will be suspended effective 1 March until 1 April 2022. Uukwambi, Ongandjera and Ombalantu traditional authorities also confirmed they have taken recess for the aforesaid period.
Since time immemorial, omagongo beverage, which is made of 100% fermented marula juice has brought together chiefs and commoners in the northern part of the country and it is considered as the finest liquor bringing together villagers to share a clay pot or two.
Omagongo is normally consumed for free by adults, in every household and villagers would walk in groups from one house to another from sunrise to sunset – drinking.
No one is allowed to carry any form of weapon during the season, and this is the only restriction.
“One is not allowed to carry a knobkierie, knife, panga, bow and arrows, gun or any form of weapon. People’s sense of judgement is considered weak during this season and they can act irrationally when under the influence of alcohol, even when not provoked,” said chief Herman Ndilimani Iipumbu of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority.
The same applies to witnesses, plaintiffs, complaints and even the judges at traditional courts.
Isdor Angula Kanelombe said courts’ outcomes during omagongo season may not be accurate or just as everyone involved could be drunk, because of the availability of alcohol.
“It is the reason why we traditionally suspend official activities.
On the contrary, it is business as usual at Ondonga Traditional Authority.
Spokesperson, senior councillor Frans Enkali said the culture of recess during omagongo season does not hold water anymore. He said the suspension is not working in favour of the administration of justice nor does it work in favour of rendering necessary service to the people on time.
“Gone are the days when omagongo was the only readily available alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is now available throughout the year. If you take a recess, you are simply piling up cases at traditional courts for no reason and it will take time to finish them,” said Enkali.