The ||Khomanin Traditional Authority in Namibia has denied allegations of illegally selling land to non-members, calling the claims baseless and tribalistic. At a press conference in Windhoek, authority leader Gaos Juliane Gawa-!Nas addressed the accusations, emphasizing the community's stance against tribalism. The allegations were made by the Landless ||Khomanin Traditional Community organisation, led by Shaun Gariseb, who also accused Gawa-!Nas of unlawful land sales and financial mismanagement.
Gariseb and his group had previously voted to remove Gawa-!Nas and her council, with the majority voting in favor of her removal. However, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa stated that traditional chiefs can only be removed through processes led by royal families, not by communities alone. The Traditional Authorities Act allows for the removal of chiefs by community members if there is sufficient reason and the process follows customary law. The community subsequently signed and handed a petition to Sankwasa, which was confirmed by ministry spokesperson Etuna Shikalepo in June.
Gawa-!Nas challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence and report the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or the court. She emphasized that the traditional authority works with all people within its boundaries, regardless of their ethnic background, and assists those with special requests. Gawa-!Nas also noted that there is no government directive restricting the authority from assisting non-members of the ||Khomanin traditional community.
The traditional authority spokesperson, Walter |Hâseb, warned that information not coming through his office should not be regarded as official. He urged the public and government officials to be cautious of information without the traditional authority's official stamp or letterhead. |Hâseb emphasized that anyone pretending to be the traditional authority is doing so illegally.
Gariseb's allegations against Gawa-!Nas extend beyond the alleged sale of land, according to reports. The ||Khomanin Traditional Authority has maintained that it allocates land based on need and not for sale. Gawa-!Nas reiterated the authority's commitment to working with all members of the community, regardless of their background.
The ||Khomanin Traditional Authority's land allocation process has been a point of contention, with some members of the community expressing concerns about the distribution of land. However, Gawa-!Nas has maintained that the authority follows a fair and transparent process. The authority has also emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency in its dealings.
The dispute highlights the complexities of land management and traditional authority in Namibia. The ||Khomanin Traditional Authority's denial of the allegations aims to clarify its stance on land allocation and its commitment to working with all community members. The situation will likely continue to be monitored by the community and relevant authorities.
Key points
- The ||Khomanin Traditional Authority denies allegations of illegally selling land to non-members.
- The allegations were made by the Landless ||Khomanin Traditional Community organisation, led by Shaun Gariseb.
- The traditional authority has challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence and report the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission or the court.
