Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders, Goab Immanuel ǂNu-Axa |Gaseb, has expressed concerns about the increasing number of applications received from traditional communities seeking recognition as traditional authorities.
According to |Gaseb, this places a financial burden on the government as the majority of these applicants fail to meet the required criteria.
He made these remarks during a recent meeting with President Hage Geingob.
“It is common practice Comrade President that each year the council of traditional leaders receives applications from traditional communities, seeking recognition as traditional authority. This practice has brought a burden to the council as most of the applicants do not meet the requirements stipulated by law,” the chairperson said.
He further highlighted that the burden also affects the government, which spends a significant amount of money conducting investigations into the legitimacy of these communities seeking recognition.
|Gaseb’s comments followed the submission of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders Report by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, who was also present during the meeting. The report focuses on the matters deliberated during the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders, held from 5th to 9th September 2022.
“The council, in terms of Section 14 of the Council of Traditional Leaders Act of 1997, is required to prepare a full report and recommendations on any matter investigated by it, and submit such report to the President through the minister for consideration,” |Gaseb explained.
He further revealed that the report contains information regarding applications for traditional authority, requiring the President’s input. He emphasized the importance of the President’s attention in considering these applications, which involve nine traditional communities discussed by the council.
These traditional communities are the Epembe (Muhona Katiti) Traditional Community, Ongava Traditional Community, Kai !A Khoe San Traditional Community, 1Haub-San Hai //Om Traditional Community, Xoms Khoen Hai //Om San Traditional Community, //Go-Ai Khoen Traditional Community, Kokara Hai //Om San Traditional Community, Ondanga Traditional Community and the Naro Traditional Community.
President Geingob expressed gratitude to the minister for submitting the report and assured that he will review it. He also underscored the significant role played by the Council of Traditional Leaders in resolving traditional matters.
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