Sankwasa moves to dethrone Chief Seibeb

In an unprecedented step, urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa has moved to de-gazette Daure Daman chief Zacharias Seibeb — a decision critics claim was influenced by businesses opposed to the chief’s stance that mining and conservation enterprises should co-exist in his area.It is alleged that some conservation businesses have been fuelling community resistance against Seibeb’s leadership in order to install a “puppet” chief who would protect their commercial interests, including opposing mining activities.“These entities have been behind all the protests against our chief. When protestors stage sit-ins, these companies even bring them food to keep them going. We live here, so we know all their tricks,” one subject of the chief told Namibian Sun.Sankwasa’s decision is contained in a letter dated 22 September, referencing a consultative meeting held on 4 June to address longstanding disputes between the traditional authority and community.“Please be informed that the ministry has commenced with the de-gazetting process in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), following a formal petition submitted by the Daure Daman Traditional Community. Your understanding and cooperation in this regard will be highly valued,” Sankwasa wrote.While gazetting traditional leaders is standard practice, the de-gazetting of an incumbent is rare and extraordinary.Since assuming office in March, Sankwasa has dealt with various chieftainship disputes, including those in the Masubia community in Zambezi Region and the Uukwangali in Kavango West. In those cases, however, the minister’s role was limited to recognising state-approved candidates rather than stripping a serving chief of recognition.Seibeb was gazetted by former minister Peya Mushelenga in 2017 following the death of Chief Elias Taniseb at the age of 89.Yesterday, Seibeb confirmed receiving the letter from Sankwasa, expressing disappointment and insisting that customary law must prevail.“I don’t understand, it is coming from someone who has been preaching respect for customary law. No one is above the law. I will acknowledge receipt of his letter, but I will also tender my disappointment and dissatisfaction with what he has done,” he said, adding that he may seek legal recourse if the decision is not reversed.“There are many traditional authorities facing disputes. Will he deregister all of them? Is he here to solve problems or to make them worse?” he asked.Seibeb attributed the tensions around his chieftainship to a group of disgruntled community members opposed to mining within his jurisdiction.There are currently three operational mines in the Daure Daman area, employing between 200 and 300 people, according to Seibeb.“I am a firm supporter of government’s efforts to create jobs for the youth. The land is idle, and there is no good reason to block development. More than 100 Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs) are in my area, yet none has started operations,” he said.He maintains that the late chief Taniseb nominated him as successor at several meetings while still alive, and that records exist to prove this.Sankwasa’s earlier communication about a possible de-gazetting led to elections on 12 August, where the Daure Daman community overwhelmingly voted for former teacher Issaskar Tourob as their leader, with 403 out of 410 votes cast in his favour.However, Seibeb has dismissed the election as invalid, arguing it did not follow customary law.Attempts to obtain comment from Sankwasa were unsuccessful by the time of going to print.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Sankwasa moves to dethrone Chief Seibeb

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Sankwasa moves to dethrone Chief Seibeb

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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