Succession court battles eroding customary law, says President

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has voiced concern over the growing number of traditional leadership succession disputes ending up in Namibia's civil courts, warning that the trend risks undermining customary law and eroding the cultural foundations of traditional communities.

Addressing the revived Masubia Cultural Festival in Bukalo on Saturday, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged traditional authorities to resolve succession matters in accordance with their customary laws, arguing that increasingly relying on civil courts weakens indigenous governance systems.

"I am concerned about the number of succession disputes being brought to civil courts instead of applying our customary laws," the president said.

"We must recognize that allowing our traditional succession to be determined by civil courts dilutes our cultural norms, if not throwing them out of our communities."

Her remarks come against the backdrop of recurring disputes over traditional leadership succession in several Namibian communities, many of which have been litigated in the High Court, often resulting in lengthy legal battles that divide communities and delay the recognition of traditional leaders.

Nandi-Ndaitwah appealed to traditional authorities to place greater emphasis on resolving disputes internally through recognised customary processes.

She also challenged traditional leaders to find sustainable solutions to long-standing conflicts affecting their communities, including land disputes, chieftaincy disagreements and other misunderstandings.

"I implore our Traditional Authorities to explore meaningful and sustainable solutions to challenges such as land and chieftaincy disputes and misunderstandings confronting their communities," she said.

The president cited the recent coronation of Hompa Bartholomeus Aruita Kayoka as chief of the VaGciriku Traditional Authority in Kavango East as an example of a succession process conducted in accordance with the community's customs.

She said the coronation demonstrated "the strength of our culture and traditions and the unity and prosperity of our people".

Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated government's commitment to working closely with traditional authorities, describing them as important partners in promoting unity, preserving Namibia's diverse cultural heritage and advancing development.

"The Government continues to strengthen collaboration with Traditional Authorities to foster unity and to govern our country," she said, adding that Namibia's cultural diversity should remain "a source of strength and unity" rather than division.

The president made the remarks during the Masubia Cultural Festival, held under the theme, "Preserving Our Cultural Heritage, Celebrating Our Future", where she emphasised that protecting customary institutions is central to safeguarding Namibia's cultural identity while strengthening national unity.