Okanguati
A faction of the Kapika Royal House gathered at Okanguati from September 9 to 13 to install Mutaambanda Kapika as their new chief, in the firm belief that he possesses the leadership qualities needed for the role.
A senior advisor to Kapika, Maongo Hembinda, maintains that the majority of members of the Kapika Royal House have embraced and support Kapika, the younger half-brother of Hikuminue Kapika, who for many years led this traditional community of Ovahimba in the former Kaokoland (today’s northern Kunene Region).
“We believe he is the right man for the chieftaincy because of his diligence and tact,” Hembinda told New Era. As is tradition, the ceremony entailed calling upon the ancestors to bless the new leader. Several cattle and goats were also slaughtered for the ceremony. “We prayed to our forefathers to bless and guide our chief so that he does not follow in the footsteps of his predecessor,” said Hembinda.
Chief Hikuminue was presumably deposed by his followers last year after he defected from the DTA of Namibia to the ruling Swapo Party of Namibia. Sentiments among the community were highly charged, with some claiming Hikuminue was bribed to buy into the idea of convincing his people to allow the construction of the controversial Epupa hydropower plant at Baynes or Orokawe in the Epupa Constituency.
Asked who the legitimate chief is – given the apparent division within the community – Hembinda maintained that those in favour of Hikuminue are in the minority.
“Even though Hikuminue embraced foreign ways, we will not desert him. He remains one of us until death. He is an old man now and we understand that age has caught up with his thinking,” Hembinda said. Mutaambanda was officially inaugurated as chief on September 11. Events leading up to the celebrations started on Wednesday, September 9, and lasted until Sunday, September 13.
New Era yesterday tried to get hold of a representative of Hikuminue to respond to the issues raised by the community, but to no avail.