ONDANGWA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says persistent infighting and
succession battles within traditional authorities risk eroding Namibia’s cultural values and identity.
Addressing the 26th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Ondangwa, the President said the unending leadership wrangles have cast doubt on the integrity of traditional authorities and are draining government resources that could otherwise be directed towards urgent national priorities.
“As I speak to you now, out of 53 recognised traditional authorities, 16 are without leadership due to succession disputes. Regrettably, government is drawn into these avoidable conflicts, which not only divide communities but also consume resources that should be channelled towards fighting poverty and disease,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She emphasised that customary laws must be properly understood and applied when appointing leaders, warning that failure to resolve disputes could strip communities of their unity, moral values, and ultimately their cultural identity.
The head of state further reminded traditional leaders that the government would not entertain unchecked applications for the recognition of new traditional authorities, stressing that mushrooming of parallel structures undermines stability.
Despite the challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions. She revealed the state has budgeted for the provision of vehicles to traditional courts, with eight already having been delivered.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa also weighed in, urging traditional authority leaders to halt the practice of allowing councillors to serve in headless authorities, saying such representatives add little value to national gatherings.
“Traditional authority heads are not elected, but come from royal lineages. Since independence, the number of traditional authorities has mushroomed, and if this continues, it will strain government support, which would not serve the best interests of the people,” Sankwasa said.
He added that since independence, the growth in the number of traditional authorities has become unsustainable, and if this trend continues, government support may become a challenge, which would not serve the best interests of communities.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Council of Traditional Authority Leaders, Immanuel |Gaseb, pointed to divisions among subjects that often spill into the courts.
“Power struggles have left many traditional authorities without leadership. These disputes weaken the very structures meant to protect our customs,” |Gaseb said, while calling on President Nandi-Ndaitwah to provide guidance in safeguarding cultural norms and values.
The President’s remarks come at a time traditional leaders are under pressure to resolve disputes swiftly and ensure unity in their communities, as Namibia grapples with broader socio-economic challenges.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na