Sanae Takaichi Japan has recently made history with the appointment of its new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the office. While some online discussions and social media pos…

Allexer Namundjembo After more than a decade of legal battles, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has officially been designated as chief of the Vakwangali people, succeeding the late chief Sitentu Mpasi, who died 11 years ago. The ceremony drew traditional leaders from across the country and neighbouring Angola, including chief Sofia Mujembwe of Sambyu, chief Alfons Kaundu of Mbunza, and chief May Kasamane of Mangondo. The path to Kudumo’s recognition was long and contested. In February 2017, the Windhoek High Court set aside the minister of urban and rural development’s decision to designate him, citing irregularities in the nomination process.  The challenge came from a faction within the Vakwangali Traditional Authority. The case continued until 2019, when the Supreme Court emphasised that traditional protocols must be followed in nominating and designating a chief.  The ministry was instructed to ensure full compliance with customary procedures. Last month, after consultative meetings with the royal family, applicants, and the Traditional Council (Masimbi), urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa formally approved Kudumo’s application. Sankwasa had referred to section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000 when he made the approval.Sankwasa confirmed that the process met customary law requirements as outlined by the Supreme Court. With approval granted, the Ukwangali Traditional Authority set a date for the official designation.  At the ceremony over the weekend, Sankwasa urged traditional leaders to promote peace, welfare, and adherence to customary law while protecting language and traditions.  He presented Kudumo with the Constitution of Namibia, the Traditional Authorities Act, and the Communal Land Reform Act. In his acceptance speech, Kudumo called for unity.  “I am chief of all people,” he declared, stressing that he represents all members of the community, including those who opposed his designation. Sankwasa’s sentiments were also conveyed in a letter read by Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo.  In the letter, Sankwasa approved the designation and commended the Ukwangali Traditional Authority for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.  He urged outsiders to stop interfering in the chieftaincy, saying disputes had caused confusion and hindered progress.  He also highlighted the importance of a recognised chief in safeguarding land rights and promoting development. Sankwasa expressed disappointment with individuals involved in the dispute and called for honesty and integrity.  He said the resolution of the matter offered the community a chance to move forward under acknowledged leadership.

Eugene Kudumo designated as new Hompa of Vakwangali NBC Online Sun, 08/31/2025 - 18:37

President Nandi-Ndaitwah engages traditional leaders on NDP6 Plan NBC Online Fri, 08/29/2025 - 14:45

Sankwasa engages traditional leaders on removal of Katima Mulilo Councillors NBC Online Sat, 08/23/2025 - 18:55

Allexer Namundjembo After nearly a decade of leadership uncertainty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority. Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa confirmed the decision in a letter dated 12 August 2025, addressed to Sisindi Mbambero, a member of the Uukwangali Chiefs Council.  The Uukwangali community has been without a recognised chief since the passing of chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014. Leadership succession was delayed due to disputes within the royal family and legal challenges, including a 2019 High Court ruling that set aside Siwombe’s initial appointment.  The court cited procedural irregularities in the nomination process, leaving the authority without recognised leadership for years. “Drawing on our own history of following customary law and upholding justice, we are pleased to confirm Eugene Siwombe as the rightful Chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority,” Sankwasa said. According to reports, a consultative meeting held in Nkurenkuru last week with the disputing applicants, royal family members and the Traditional Council (Masimbi) confirmed that customary procedures were properly followed.  The minister cited section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), as the legal basis for approving Siwombe’s appointment. Sankwasa has been actively involved in resolving chieftaincy disputes across Namibia since taking office. His interventions have facilitated dialogue and ensured adherence to legal frameworks, helping communities such as the Gciriku and Masubia to resolve disputes and appoint recognised chiefs. “This designation marks the end of years of uncertainty and brings hope and stability to the Uukwangali Traditional Authority,” said Sankwasa. Siwombe’s appointment follows previous interventions by former president Nangolo Mbumba, who in December 2024 acknowledged the removal of the former Uukwangali “Hompa” after ongoing family disputes and legal proceedings. Namibia continues to face leadership disputes in several traditional authorities. The Ovaherero Traditional Authority is still torn on having a substantive chief.  The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority faces unrest, with community members demanding the removal of Chief Sagarias Seibeb over alleged financial mismanagement and lack of development. Protests and sit-ins have been staged. The Uukwambi Traditional Authority remains divided over leadership and the appointment of a new chief, with a 2024 court case highlighting tensions.  The Uukwambi royal family has sought to reinstate the monarchy, which was ended in 1932, and planned commemorations have clashed with the current authority led by chief Herman Iipumbu. The Blouwes clan has also faced leadership challenges since 2012, with the recognition of acting leader Johannes Benjamin Koopman contested by parts of the ǁKhawoben community seeking their own leadership.

Minister Sankwasa moves to end years-long Gciriku chieftainship dispute NBC Online Sun, 08/10/2025 - 18:23

Ovambanderu leaders attend seminar in Omaheke NBC Online Thu, 08/07/2025 - 18:34

NBC, Ongandjera leaders push for cultural coverage NBC Online Wed, 07/23/2025 - 13:49

Uukwambi Chief calls on Oshana Governor for tangible development NBC Online Mon, 07/21/2025 - 17:10

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare officially opened the 2025 Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival on Friday, pledging that the government will revitalise, preserve, and promote indigenous knowledge systems across Namibia. Speaking at the event in Outapi, Ngurare said Article 19 of the Constitution obliges the state to protect culture, and that commitment is now being reflected in national policy. “Through the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and the National Heritage Council, we are documenting languages, guarding heritage sites, and empowering traditional leaders,” he said. Ngurare urged those in attendance to continue championing Namibian culture.  “Let Olufuko stand as a symbol of this dedication, a celebration of tradition, a platform for empowering women, and a reaffirmation of our identity,” he said. This year’s festival saw 138 girls take part in the initiation rites, the highest number since the event was revived in 2012.  The girls arrived early last week to learn traditional etiquette, food preparation, and social responsibilities before Friday’s formal blessing by spiritual custodians. Residents of Outapi lined the streets as the young woman, dressed in copper-colored skirts and adorned with shells, processed into the fenced homestead. Ngurare paid tribute to founding president Sam Nujoma, the festival’s late patron, with a moment of silence.  “A nation without culture is like a tree without roots,” he said, quoting Nujoma and noting that the phrase has guided the festival since its beginning. He called on organisers to preserve Olufuko as a national treasure and a space where generations connect.  He also said the government’s vision extends beyond annual ceremonies. The school curriculum is being revised to include indigenous history and oral literature with the same depth as subjects like algebra.  He added that the arts industry would receive new grant funding to support livelihoods in music, craft, and design. “Customary practices will also be tested in the courts to ensure they are safeguarded within constitutional limits and never distorted for personal gain,” Ngurare said. Festival chairperson Selma Asino-Shaumbwako said the record turnout justified the local authorities’ decision to expand dormitories and utilities at the Olufuko Centre last year. The Outapi Town Council estimated that the festival could inject up to N$8 million into the Omusati regional economy through stall rentals, accommodation, and transport bookings. “Tradition meets transformation here. We honour the past, but we also equip our daughters for the future,” Ngurare said. He emphasised the government’s duty to pass this heritage on to future generations. “Without it, we would lose the very root of our nationhood,” he said.

Ovaherero Chieftaincy Dispute Intensifies in High Court NBC Online Sat, 06/21/2025 - 17:37

Council of Traditional Leaders Praises President Nandi-Ndaitwah NBC Online Thu, 06/19/2025 - 19:43

The hearing of a case about the disputed leadership of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority started in the Windhoek High Court this week. In the case, acting judge Lotta Ambunda has two separate applications before her on which she will have to decide. Ovitoto area traditional chief Vipuira Kapuuo, who is suing 57 respondents in the matter, is asking the court to declare that in terms of Ovaherero customary law, tradition and protocol the chairman of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority’s chief’s council – which is himself – becomes the acting paramount chief of the Ovaherero traditional community on the death or incapacitation of the paramount chief. Kapuuo is asking the court to declare that he is the acting paramount chief of the Ovaherero traditional community. Kapuuo is also asking the court to review and set aside a chief’s council meeting, held at Oderombapa in the Aminuis area in December 2021, and decisions taken at that meeting. The meeting in question was called following the death of Ovaherero paramount chief Vekuii Rukoro in June 2021. At the meeting, the chief’s council chose Mutjinde Katjiua as paramount chief designate of the Ovaherero traditional community. The members of a transitional committee formed after Rukoro’s death are among the respondents being sued by Kapuuo. The Ovaherero Traditional Authority and six of the committee’s members – Katjiua, Boas Tjingaete, Tuendekuje Rukambe-Uazukuani, Mac Hengari and Amon Ngavetene – are opposing Kapuuo’s legal action, and have filed a counter-application against Kapuuo, Hoze Riruako, who at a meeting at Otjimbingwe in February 2023 was also chosen as paramount chief to succeed Rukoro, and the minister of urban and rural development. In their counter-application, they are asking that the court direct what they term ‘the self-appointment’ of Kapuuo as acting paramount chief is null and void and to set it aside. They are also asking the court to direct that chief’s council meetings called by Kapuuo in April and October 2022 and in February 2023, and decisions taken at those meetings, are null and void and to set it aside. They are applying for an order that an application by Kapuuo for Riruako to be officially designated as the elected paramount chief of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority is null and void, and to declare that an application by the chief’s council for Katjiua to be designated as paramount chief is the only valid application that the minister of urban and rural development should consider and determine. Kapuuo claims in a sworn statement filed at the court that the transitional committee, of which Katjiua is the chairperson, decided in June 2021 that the committee itself, instead of Kapuuo, would act as paramount chief following Rukoro’s death. Kapuuo says in his statement: “By the aforesaid purported resolutions, a scribbler, professor M Katjiua, has purportedly become the acting paramount chief of the Ovaherero.” Kapuuo says according to Ovaherero customary law and protocol the chairman of the chief’s council – a position held by himself – becomes the acting paramount chief and a paramount chief is only nominated and thereafter elected at a senate meeting, and not at a chief’s council meeting. The chief’s council meeting at which Katjiua was chosen as paramount chief in December 2021 was irregularly convened and not properly constituted, as it was attended by representatives of only nine of 28 constituencies of the Ovaherero community and by five of the 17 regiments of the community’s Red Flag commando, Kapuuo add. According to Katjiua, however, 23 of the 28 members of the chief’s council voted against Kapuuo being appointed as acting paramount chief. Katjiua also says in a sworn statement before the court that after the chief’s council meeting in December 2021, a senate meeting in March 2022 resolved to appoint Katjiua as paramount chief. At another chief’s council meeting in April 2022, the choice of Katjiua as paramount chief was again supported and ratified, Katjiua also says. The hearing of the case before Ambunda is continuing. Senior counsel Raymond Heathcote, assisted by Japie Jacobs, is representing Kapuuo, on instructions from Petrie Theron. Senior counsel Reinhard Tötemeyer is representing the opposing respondents, assisted by Albert Strydom and Werner Boesak, on instructions from Katuna Kamuhanga. The post Ovaherero leadership battle in court appeared first on The Namibian.

Omunashipundi welelo lopamufyuululwakalo lOvaherero Vipua Kapuuo ota kondjifa omapopya aBethold Mutjinde kombinga yomuleli wavo wopamufyuululwakalo, moshikumungu osho kwa li sha tameka momhangu yopombada yaVenduka Etivali. Kapuuo ota kongo evatelo momukalo wetokolo ngaashi oveta yopamufyuululwakalo yOvahereo tai ti, omunashipundi welelo lopamufyuululwakalo oye ha ningi omuleli ta vatele welelo lopamufyuululakalo lOvaherero konima yefyo lomuleli ile ngee omuleli ke na vali eenghono dokulela. Eindilo eli ola landula efyo lomuleli wOvaherero, Vekuii Rukoro, momudu 2021. Kapuuo okwa ti, konima yefyo laRukoro, omunashipundi welelo lopamufyuululwakalo oha ningi omuleli ta vatele welelo lopamufyuululwakalo lOvaherero ngaashi oveta, omufyuululwakalo nomilandu dopamufyuululwakalo wOvaherero tadi ti. Kapuuo natango ota kongo evatelo komhangu kombinga yoshoongalele shelelo lopamufyuululwakalo osho sha ningilwe momafiku 10 Desemba 2021 kOnderombapa, ta ti kasha li paveta shaashi kakwa li sha ifanwa kelelo lopamufyuululwakalo. Ota pula omhangu i talulule nokukupulashi omatokolo oo a ningwa moshoongelele omo, ta ti kutya ongomunashipundi welelo lopamufyuululwakalo, oye omunhu e li mondjila ta dulu okuvatela ponhele yomuleli wopamufyuululwakalo. Oshoongalele vati osha koleka Mutjinde Katjiwa ongomuleli wOvaherero wopamufyuululwakalo. Hahende waKapuuo, Raymond Haathcote, okwa ti Katjiua okwa mona eifano eli “pamunyeka.” Heathcote okwa ti kutya elelo lopamufyuululwakalo lOvaherero ohali longo nomilandu ngaashi omalelo akwao kutya omupedu oku na oku shi kula omupombada waye konima a xulifa. -NAMPA The post Ekondjelo louleli wOvaherero la ya momhangu appeared first on The Namibian.

Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has denied removing a traditional chief, urging communities to resolve disputes themselves. He says appointing or removing chiefs is the mandate of communities. Sankwasa was reacting to claims that he had directed the removal of Zacharias Seibeb as the chief of the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority and had ordered the recommencement of the appointing process. “That is a traditional issue and has to be dealt with in line with applicable traditional customs. I did not order the removal of the chief,” the minister said on Thursday. The traditional authority has been locked in a long-running dispute between a section calling itself ‘the concerned group’, accusing Seibeb of misconduct and calling for his replacement as chief. Seibeb has been the chief of the traditional authority for the past 10 years. During the height of the removal campaign, the concerned group submitted petitions to the ministry, and the chief’s house at Uis was petrol-bombed with a number of suspects arrested. Sankwasa called the chief and his council, as well as members of the concerned group to a meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday. “I directed the chief to submit a report pertaining to an audit report that found some financial mismanagement. “These are public funds that have to be accounted for and the chief has until next Wednesday to submit that report. We will take it from there as a ministry,” the minister said. Sankwasa said when claims that the chief was appointed unprocedurally were raised, he directed that the concerned group should go back to the community to resolve the issue at that level. He said that is the community’s mandate. “I am a traditionalist and I know every community has its ways of appointing their chief,” said Sankwasa. Seibeb, along with traditional authority spokesperson Martin Matsuib, senior headman Eliazer Gowaseb, and Ludwig Taniseb, on Thursday said he appreciated the minister’s efforts to resolve the dispute, which he believes is being driven by some political parties. He said although the protestors had listed a number of grievances in their petitions, the issue of his appointment had never been raised until Wednesday’s meeting with Sankwasa. “The people followed the correct procedure and presented me to the government as their chief. So those who say I’ve been removed misunderstood the minister’s directive. “Until that directive is put on paper, I will not react, because he [Sankwasa] can later say, ‘I did not say that’. “We cannot rely on his verbal comments. He has to put it in writing and communicate it to the traditional authority, so that the chief can say, okay, minister, here and there you are wrong,” Seibeb said. He said in their tradition a chief is not elected, but the incumbent chief appoints his successor and the elders’ and the chiefs’ councils agree. “The governor must verify in writing how the process was conducted. This, together with the minutes of the elders’ and chiefs’ councils, and the letter of appointment of the chief, are sent to the ministry.” Seibeb dismissed claims that he misused funds, saying when he took over, the traditional authority office had “nothing”. Its bank accounts were closed and he had to approach people to deposit money and donate chairs and computers, he said. “The rabble-rousers wrote a petition claiming I had mismanaged funds, but were dismissed by a ministerial investigation committee because I am not a signatory to those accounts,” he said. – matthew@namibian.com.na The post I do not appoint or remove chiefs – Sankwasa appeared first on The Namibian.

The Uukwambi royal family is calling for the restoration of kingship, saying the position has remained vacant since colonial rule. The Uukwambi last had a chief in 1932 after chief Iipumbu ya Tshilongo was abducted by South African authorities. They are now under the chieftanship of Herman Iipumbu, who yesterday told The Namibian he has been at the helm of the traditional authority for 40 years. Johaness Tshalonda, who claims to be a member of the royal family, yesterday said although the family wants the Uukwambi to have a chief, they are not pushing for Iipumbu’s removal. “He is our family member. He is our father. Silas Iipumbu was my grandfather and we are not saying he should be removed. We are saying the vacant position of a king that exists in Uukwambi should be filled. “We are a peaceful group. We are not terrorists. We want the king to be installed peacefully, and we are going to discuss it with chief Iipumbu,” he said. Tshalonda said the family had written a letter to Iipumbu. Uukwambi Royal Council chairperson Anna Festus in a statement says Uukwambi headmen are from Iipumbu ya Tshilongo’s bloodline. “We thus regard the restoration of the Uukwambi kingship to be long overdue after more than 35 years of independence from colonial rule.” Festus also addresses the controversy surrounding a planned event in August 2024 at Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo, which was intended to commemorate the 1932 bombing of Iipumbu’s palace. “It is important to emphasise that the commemoration was meant to be a family event and not an Aakwambi event,” the release states. According to Festus, they invited the Uukwambi Traditional Authority (UTA) to attend the commemorative event. However, the authority declined the invitation, citing a prior commitment to a Roman Catholic Church centennial event at Oshikuku. The UTA also took legal action to stop the event. “The Uukwambi royal family nevertheless proceeded with preparations, only to be issued a letter from Sisa Namandje lawyers, threatening to get a court interdict prohibiting further attempts to go ahead with the preparations.” The case ended up in court, where a ruling favoured the UTA. The royal family was ordered to pay legal costs, which they say have been “fully settled”. The UTA in court documents accuses the royal family of attempting to “illegally appoint and install the king for Uukwambi” and claims the event could incite violence. The family dismisses the allegations as “fabrications”. “Even though the invitation to the Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo event to UTA came from the royal family, they opted to take individuals to court, arguing they unlawfully represent the Uukwambi traditional community.” Iipumbu declined to comment on the matter yesterday. The post Uukwambi royal family calls for restoration of kingship, vacant since 1932 under colonial rule appeared first on The Namibian.

Traditional leader urges Eiseb residents to take ownership of development projects NBC Online Thu, 05/29/2025 - 18:54

Gilbert Mutwa crowned Chief of Masubia NBC Online Fri, 05/23/2025 - 19:07

|Gaiodaman Chief Joseph Haraseb buried in Windhoek NBC Online Sun, 05/11/2025 - 19:34

Chief Joseph Max Haraseb dies at 82 NBC Online Wed, 05/07/2025 - 14:45

ZEBALDT NGARUKA A book of condolences for the late Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA) senior councillor Gerson Katjirua has been opened at his family residence in Windhoek. The residence is located at Erf 223, Ondundu Street, at Wanaheda. Katjirua, known as Mutize, died in the capital on Sunday following a short illness. OTA spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe says the established protocol is in place and the condolence book is available for all to pay their respects to the late leader, both within the Ovambanderu community and the nation. Ngahahe urges the Ovambanderu protocol committee to be prepared to receive various dignitaries arriving to honour the late senior traditional councillor. “We are mourning a historic figure who made significant contributions to the development of the Ovambanderu community and other communities. We anticipate a large number of people at the residence, and, therefore, we must ensure all necessary arrangements are in order,” he says. The spokesperson adds that condolence books have also been opened at various Ovambanderu commandos across the country. The spokesperson requests that dignitaries, high-ranking government officials, and various community leaders communicate with the authority’s protocol team in advance. He also says in accordance with protocol, specific attire is worn during the mourning period for leaders. “We must adhere to this and honour our hero with the respect he deserves,” he emphasises. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. – Nampa The post Book of condolences opened for Ovambanderu senior councillor Katjirua appeared first on The Namibian.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah mourns Ovambanderu leader Katjirua NBC Online Mon, 04/28/2025 - 20:21

Former acting chief of Ovambanderu Gerson Katjirua dies NBC Online Mon, 04/28/2025 - 17:45

Vice president Lucia Witbooi has lauded traditional leaders in the Omaheke region for their tireless efforts in addressing governmental matters, including the genocide reparation issue. Witbooi said this during her ongoing engagement with the traditional leaders of genocide-affected communities at Gobabis on Tuesday. “You are always attending in large numbers, leaving your pre-planned family or work-related commitments. “You are highly appreciated for this,” she said. Witbooi was delegated by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to meet with the traditional leaders. The main reason for her visit was to formally inform and invite the traditional leaders to the official commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day in Windhoek on 28 May. Witbooi also expressed her gratitude for the tireless dedication and commitment traditional leaders have always shown to the genocide negotiation process. “Despite difficult circumstances, you are steadfastly behind this process, which is a clear indication that you are serving the interest of our community,” she said. Witbooi said the arrival of German colonial forces had the solitary aim of land dispossession. This caused conflict with local inhabitants or indigenous people, mainly the Nama, Ovaherero, Ovambanderu, Damara, and San. It resulted in numerous battles fought to resist illegal land and livestock dispossession, and other heinous crimes such as forced labour, rape, and degrading and inhumane treatment. “These are the main atrocities committed by German colonial forces that culminated first in the genocidal decree of general Theodore Leutwein against the Ovambanderu community in 1896, and then in the 1904 and 1905 genocidal decrees or proclamations by general Lothar von Trotha against the Ovaherero and Nama communities,” she said. Genocide Remembrance Day was officially declared a public holiday by president Nangolo Mbumba last year. The post Vice president Witbooi praises Omaheke traditional leaders for persevering with genocide reparations fight appeared first on The Namibian.