Julia Kamarenga
The office of the Omaheke governor engaged traditional leaders to establish a regional traditional authorities’ forum. The meeting was intended for traditional leaders to discuss pertinent matters to improve the lives of those whom they serve.
One of the many objectives of the forum is to encourage a sense of camaraderie between and among the various traditional authorities and their communities in the spirit of oneness in a ‘one Namibia, one nation’ – and in unity and diversity.
Making reference to a difficult and dark period we encountered in the previous year, which shook and disturbed the foundations of families, Pijoo Nganate, the regional governor of Omaheke, said it is high time the region creates a new image that would give hope to the regional inhabitants as well as to the entire nation.
While pointing out the divisions enveloping communities, Nganate urged traditional leaders to use various cultural ways and traditions for assistance and guidance in decision-making.
“Our communities suffer at the hands of the disputes we have with each other as leaders; we are hurting our people – brothers are no longer talking nor bury each other, lamented Nganate.”
Nganate further urged the leaders to widely consult with one another on matters such as land distribution and find ways of preserving it for generations to come, especially because the inhabitants multiply while land remains the same.
Queried about the anticipated impact the forum will have on traditional matters, Chief Turimuro Hoveka of the Hoveka Traditional Authority said there is a need for traditional leaders to be given time to comprehend the forum and its operation terms so that they may give a meaningful contribution.
Nganate further reiterated the call for inclusive leadership and indicated that such practice would birth peace.