Africa-Press – Namibia. Auleria Wakudumo
The Traditional Authorities Act is under the microscope, with key stakeholders determining amendments or refinements to the law that has united critics and proponents in almost equal measure.
Government will soon require all existing traditional authorities to clearly demonstrate how they were established and justify their status as part of efforts to reform and strengthen the country’s traditional leadership framework.
This was revealed by minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, under whose purview traditional authorities reside, during the official opening of a consultative workshop in Otjiwarongo yesterday.
The workshop aimed at reviewing and amending the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000 and the Council of Traditional Leaders Act of 1997.
“The move is intended to address growing concerns over the increasing number of groups seeking recognition as independent traditional authorities, which is contributing to division rather than unity,” Sankwasa said.
He said they cannot allow the continuation of such splitting or infighting between members of ethnic groups to hinder community unity and development.
The minister expressed concern that the current interpretation and implementation of the Traditional Authorities Act has led to the emergence of multiple splinter groups.
These groups are often based on geographical divisions rather than shared ancestry, customs and cultural identity.
“Namibia is becoming more divided through the want of various communities from the central cohesive centre of tribal or traditional leadership than being united,” he noted.
Sankwasa added that many smaller groupings are increasingly seeking separate recognition, a development he described as a misapplication of the law.
He further cautioned that the existing legal framework is in some instances being exploited for political purposes, rather than preserving culture and tradition.
He said the current act is being used for political gains, rather than the promotion and preservation of the traditions, customs and cultures.
The minister stressed the need to realign the law with its original intent, ensuring that traditional leadership structures serve communities effectively and remain rooted in customary practices.
One of the key roles raised by the minister is the growing confusion between traditional leaders and community-level leaders.
He pointed out that titles traditionally reserved for chiefs are increasingly being used broadly, with district headmen and other local leaders often being referred to as chiefs.
“We must distinguish between a chief and community leaders. Not every leader is a chief,” Sankwasa emphasised.
He cautioned that such misunderstandings risk weakening established traditional systems and undermining their authority.
The two Acts under review have been in place for more than two decades and were instrumental in recognising traditional authorities after independence.
However, Sankwasa said changing circumstances and emerging challenges necessitate urgent reform.
“These laws have served us well, but the landscape has changed. Some provisions no longer serve their purpose,” he stated.
Among the challenges cited are succession disputes, weak financial oversight and the evolving operational environment of traditional institutions.
The five-day consultative workshop, which commenced yesterday, is expected to conclude on Friday.
It brought together traditional leaders, legal experts and government officials to deliberate on modernising legislation governing traditional leadership.
Deliberations and inputs gathered during the discussions will be consolidated to inform proposed amendments to the Traditional Authorities Act of 200 and the Council of Leaders Act of 1997 with the aim of strengthening governance, enhancing accountability and promoting unity within Namibia’s traditional leadership structures.
“This is your opportunity to shape the laws that will govern your communities for the next generation,” he said.
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