Osombahe farm lease row drags on

The future of Osombahe Farmers’ Co-operative remains uncertain while its challenge to the 2023 termination of its farm lease is before the lands tribunal. The agriculture and land reform ministry terminated the co-operative's leasehold rights over Farm Gross Osombahe No. 1042 in the Omaheke region three years ago, citing non-compliance with the conditions governing the farm's allocation, use and management.The co-operative subsequently appealed the decision, but the dispute remains unresolved.The dispute dates back to May 2022, when 144 beneficiaries, including 110 Omitara residents, were reportedly approved for the farm.However, complaints later emerged over alleged vandalism of farm infrastructure, disregard for ministry directives and occupation by non-residents.In 2025, Omitara residents petitioned the agriculture minister for the farm's reinstatement, arguing that genuine local beneficiaries had been unfairly affected.They proposed restructuring the co-operative and restricting occupation to Omitara residents.In a letter dated 16 September addressed to Omitara farmers' chairperson Josef //Gowaseb, the ministry said it is “committed to ensuring that the matter is addressed in accordance with the law and will carefully consider the tribunal’s determination before deciding on any subsequent course of action regarding the farm”.The ministry did not indicate when the tribunal is expected to deliver its determination.Membership fees dueMeanwhile, Osombahe Farmers’ Co-operative Ltd has instructed members to settle outstanding membership fees for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years by 30 October.The co-operative warned that members who fail to settle their arrears risk losing their membership in accordance with its bylaws. Members must be fully paid up to participate, including voting at the co-operative's annual general meeting scheduled for 13 November at Farm Gross Osombahe.According to the notice, the outstanding fees are also needed to facilitate the submission of the co-operative's financial statements to the agriculture ministry for auditing.The notice does not disclose the total amount outstanding or the number of members affected by the deadline.-desmarius@nma.com.na

Osombahe farm lease row drags on

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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Osombahe farm lease row drags on

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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