Ombudsman highlights traditional authority powers

Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha has said that recognised traditional authorities are as strong as any other legal authority.

He was speaking at a three-day human rights training in Ondangwa earlier this month.

He said that if someone is issued a permit to occupy land by a traditional authority it is as legal as any other body.

“The office of the ombudsman is responsible for investigating public offices. In the case of an individual and a public institution, his office will investigate,” Dyakugha said.

Ambrosius Iipinge, the senior headman of Oranges Yanashimbuli, which falls under the Uukwambi traditional authority, has applauded the ombudsman for making this statement

Land issues

Iipinge, who has served for seven years, said it was the first time he heard that traditional authorities have so much power.

"We are faced with various land issues as there are community members who undermine the power of traditional authorities," he said.

He further called on the government to create awareness and educate members of the community, as they cannot do it alone.

Iipinge noted that family disputes are a major challenge faced by traditional authorities and said land ownership is one of the topics often discussed by family.

Conflict with town councils

Iipinge said town councils should start to compensate traditional authorities when they want to occupy their land.

"Towns are constantly expanding and they occupy our land without compensating the traditional authorities," he said.

He added that town councils rather compensate individuals and pay less for the land and sell it at a high price.

"We want some loyalty from the town councils. At least give a certain amount per annum as they acquire land we own. We also need money to be self-reliant," he said.

Iipinge said town councils should also prepare the land to which people are relocated.

"Often the town council relocates individuals far from the basic services, which becomes a burden to the traditional authority," he said.

Lack of communication

According to Iipinge, they have, however, raised their concerns with the ministry of rural and urban development both physically and in writing.

Lukas Mauritius, advisor to the Uukwanyama traditional authority, claimed that town councils sometimes do not consult the traditional authorities before they decide to occupy land or compensate an individual.

"The town council must sit down with us if they want to occupy land we own or land where there is an individual they want to relocate," he said.

The ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the matter by the time of going to print.