WALVISBAY– Degazetted Dâuredaman Chief Zacharias Seibeb has taken his fight to the High Court, challenging his removal as Dâuredaman Chief in November last year. 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah withdrew Seibeb’s designation under Section 8(4) of the Traditional Authorities Act. 

He is now asking the High Court to set aside the withdrawal decision by the President and the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa. 

In his founding affidavit, Seibeb said he is still the Chief of his clan. 

“I am the duly recognised traditional Chief of the Dâuredaman Traditional Authority. Hence, I instituted a review application seeking to set aside the decision taken by the respondent on 14 November,” he said in the affidavit. 

Seibeb says the State has not properly responded to his review application, despite proper service. 

He also says that no notice of intention to oppose has been filed, and no record of proceedings has been lodged. 

According to Seibeb, he also sent a formal demand to the Attorney General’s office asking for the record to be filed. 

“To date, the respondents have failed to comply. This non-compliance continues despite a Judge being assigned,” he said. 

According to him, the delay is unfair. Adding that he has no alternative but to request that the court allow the review to proceed in the absence of the record to avoid further prejudice and delay. 

According to court documents, he seeks to be re-gazetted as Chief and recognised as such in all official records and communications. 

The President has indicated an intention to oppose the application. 

Judge Beatrix de Jager ordered that the case proceed without delay, directing the respondents to provide Seibeb with the full record by 20 February. Additionally, they must file their answering affidavit or raise any legal questions by 20 March, and Seibeb may reply by 7 April. 

All parties must submit a joint case management report by 13 April. 

The next case management conference is set for 22 April. 

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na