Chiefs on N$2 500 ‘peanuts’, driven in 2009 skorokoros
Last vehicles provided in 2009
Some chiefs are arriving at community meetings in donkey carts, prompting fits of laughter from their subjects.
Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Authorities, Gaob Immanuel Nu-Axa /Gaseb, has spoken out about the dire conditions under which traditional leaders in Namibia are expected to operate – earning meagre N$2500 monthly allowances and driving outdated government-issued vehicles that were provided in 2009.
“The last time we received vehicles was during Jerry Ekandjo’s tenure as minister. Many traditional authorities no longer have functional vehicles, and those that do are driving ‘skorokoros’ [old and worn-out cars],” he said.
He added that the situation is so severe that some traditional leaders are forced to hitchhike or arrive at community meetings on donkey carts – diminishing their dignity and undermining their authority.
“As the leader of my people and chairperson of the council, I only get N$2 600. People assume we earn upwards of N$10 000, but that’s far from reality,” he said.
‘We are suffering’
/Gaseb said the plight of traditional leaders is a reflection of government neglect.
“Traditional leaders are suffering. We’re not asking for much, only to be recognised and supported, especially because we’re mandated to administer communal land and ensure it remains protected for future generations,” he said.
“It is disheartening to see our leaders arrive at meetings on foot or in donkey carts, leading to disrespect from community members.”
Government blocking investment deal
/Gaseb also criticised government for stalling a potential investment deal with a Portuguese company that wants to establish a solar power plant in the Erongo Region. Part of the agreement includes providing vehicles to all traditional authorities.
He said the project could ease Namibia’s reliance on electricity imports, and offer tangible benefits to traditional communities, including addressing the transport issue.
“We’re not asking for handouts. We’ve secured the investor, identified the land, and all that’s needed is a go-ahead letter from government. The deal can be scrutinised and amended if needed, but we need progress,” he said.
According to /Gaseb, the application was submitted earlier this year, and the council expected approval by now.
“If we do not receive feedback, we will expect the president or a government representative to attend our next council meeting in Ondangwa, scheduled for the first week of September, and explain why the deal is being held back,” he said.
Absent headmen and headwomen
/Gaseb also took aim at absentee traditional leaders – those who live in towns while collecting allowances meant for serving their communities in rural areas.
“There are traditional leaders who earn government allowances but do nothing for their communities because they have chosen to live in urban areas,” he said. “It is wrong. How can you connect with your people if you are far from them?”
He said this issue will be formally addressed at the upcoming council meeting in September.
“It is the responsibility of a chief to ensure that headmen and headwomen reside within their communities. This will now become a key discussion point.”
Minister responds
Traditional authorities fall under the ministry of urban and rural development. When asked about the matter of absentee leaders, minister James Sankwasa said such cases are more complex due to the cultural and royal aspects involved.
Sankwasa, however, has recently shown a tough stance on local authority councillors living outside their constituencies, including removing former Omuthiya mayor Johannes Ndeutepo after he took a full-time job in Windhoek.
“The last time we received vehicles was during Jerry Ekandjo’s tenure as minister. Many traditional authorities no longer have functional vehicles, and those that do are driving ‘skorokoros’ [old and worn-out cars],” he said.
He added that the situation is so severe that some traditional leaders are forced to hitchhike or arrive at community meetings on donkey carts – diminishing their dignity and undermining their authority.
“As the leader of my people and chairperson of the council, I only get N$2 600. People assume we earn upwards of N$10 000, but that’s far from reality,” he said.
‘We are suffering’
/Gaseb said the plight of traditional leaders is a reflection of government neglect.
“Traditional leaders are suffering. We’re not asking for much, only to be recognised and supported, especially because we’re mandated to administer communal land and ensure it remains protected for future generations,” he said.
“It is disheartening to see our leaders arrive at meetings on foot or in donkey carts, leading to disrespect from community members.”
Government blocking investment deal
/Gaseb also criticised government for stalling a potential investment deal with a Portuguese company that wants to establish a solar power plant in the Erongo Region. Part of the agreement includes providing vehicles to all traditional authorities.
He said the project could ease Namibia’s reliance on electricity imports, and offer tangible benefits to traditional communities, including addressing the transport issue.
“We’re not asking for handouts. We’ve secured the investor, identified the land, and all that’s needed is a go-ahead letter from government. The deal can be scrutinised and amended if needed, but we need progress,” he said.
According to /Gaseb, the application was submitted earlier this year, and the council expected approval by now.
“If we do not receive feedback, we will expect the president or a government representative to attend our next council meeting in Ondangwa, scheduled for the first week of September, and explain why the deal is being held back,” he said.
Absent headmen and headwomen
/Gaseb also took aim at absentee traditional leaders – those who live in towns while collecting allowances meant for serving their communities in rural areas.
“There are traditional leaders who earn government allowances but do nothing for their communities because they have chosen to live in urban areas,” he said. “It is wrong. How can you connect with your people if you are far from them?”
He said this issue will be formally addressed at the upcoming council meeting in September.
“It is the responsibility of a chief to ensure that headmen and headwomen reside within their communities. This will now become a key discussion point.”
Minister responds
Traditional authorities fall under the ministry of urban and rural development. When asked about the matter of absentee leaders, minister James Sankwasa said such cases are more complex due to the cultural and royal aspects involved.
Sankwasa, however, has recently shown a tough stance on local authority councillors living outside their constituencies, including removing former Omuthiya mayor Johannes Ndeutepo after he took a full-time job in Windhoek.
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