RUNDU – Over a year, since the death of Gciriku leader Hompa Kassian Shiyambi, the traditional authority is yet to name his successor. 
Shiyambi died in November 2019 at the age of 82 after an illness.

However, the royal family is yet to name the anointed successor to the throne.
The traditional authority said they are still waiting on the royal clan to accomplish their duty.
“We are still waiting for the royal family to let us know on the future. Maybe when our office will reopen for the year on 15 January we will be updated,” said the late Hompa Shiyambi’s right handman, senior traditional councillor Festus Shikerete.

“As the traditional authority, we are not involved in royal matters; we are just guided by the royal family on the succession issue.”
As part of the vaGciriku tradition, a three-month mourning period is held following the death of a traditional leader before announcing a new chief.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other disagreements amongst the royal family, this process has been delayed for over a year.
Shiyambi was the vaGciriku traditional leader after the death of the then Hompa Sebastian Kamwanga, who reigned from 1985 until he died in 1999.
- jmuyumba@nepc.com.na