Sankwasa: Society embracing same-sex marriage while condemning polygamy
Urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa has warned that African traditions are under threat from Western values, highlighting the contradiction between churches embracing same-sex marriages while condemning polygamy.
Speaking during the government’s formal recognition of Hompa Eugen Siwombe Kudumo as the legitimate leader of the Ukwangali community in Kavango West — ending an 11-year succession dispute — Sankwasa urged Namibians to scrutinise values imposed during colonial times.
“The Bible was introduced to us to the extent that, as black people, we don’t know what our religion is. Some follow Roman Catholicism, even if we are not Romans. Some are Dutch, even if we are not Dutch,” he said.
The minister questioned why missionaries once labelled polygamy a sin, yet today allow same-sex unions in the same institutions.
“They said it was wrong for a man to marry two wives — a sin that could prevent him from reaching heaven. Yet today, in the same church, a man can marry another man before a priest. What religion is this? What god is this one?” Sankwasa asked, urging Namibians to examine these contradictions critically.
He stressed that traditional leaders are key custodians of culture, language, and customs passed down through generations. Losing touch with these traditions, he warned, weakens communities and exposes them to foreign influence.
Sankwasa also issued a firm warning regarding leadership during his tenure.
“Once I leave office, people may do as they wish. But as long as I remain in office, no one will be allowed to act as they please,” he said, pledging to ensure cultural norms are respected while he remains in charge.
The minister’s remarks coincided with celebrations marking Kudumo’s long-awaited recognition as Hompa of the Ukwangali people, bringing closure to more than a decade of leadership disputes.
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Speaking during the government’s formal recognition of Hompa Eugen Siwombe Kudumo as the legitimate leader of the Ukwangali community in Kavango West — ending an 11-year succession dispute — Sankwasa urged Namibians to scrutinise values imposed during colonial times.
“The Bible was introduced to us to the extent that, as black people, we don’t know what our religion is. Some follow Roman Catholicism, even if we are not Romans. Some are Dutch, even if we are not Dutch,” he said.
The minister questioned why missionaries once labelled polygamy a sin, yet today allow same-sex unions in the same institutions.
“They said it was wrong for a man to marry two wives — a sin that could prevent him from reaching heaven. Yet today, in the same church, a man can marry another man before a priest. What religion is this? What god is this one?” Sankwasa asked, urging Namibians to examine these contradictions critically.
He stressed that traditional leaders are key custodians of culture, language, and customs passed down through generations. Losing touch with these traditions, he warned, weakens communities and exposes them to foreign influence.
Sankwasa also issued a firm warning regarding leadership during his tenure.
“Once I leave office, people may do as they wish. But as long as I remain in office, no one will be allowed to act as they please,” he said, pledging to ensure cultural norms are respected while he remains in charge.
The minister’s remarks coincided with celebrations marking Kudumo’s long-awaited recognition as Hompa of the Ukwangali people, bringing closure to more than a decade of leadership disputes.
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