|Khomani leadership faces deposition showdown

A deepening leadership crisis within the |Khomani Traditional Authority has culminated in a planned deposition process, with Chief Juliane Gawa-Inas facing calls to account for over a decade of alleged administrative failures and community grievances.

In a notice dated 13 April, spokesperson Shaun Gariseb confirmed a notice has been issued.

The community has been urged to mobilise ahead of the vote, which will determine whether an acting chief should be installed.

“The |Khomani Traditional Authority Chief Juliane Gawa-Inas and the entire Traditional Authority Council are herewith invited to the deposition proceedings starting on 16 May 2026,” Gariseb said.

The acting chief, if appointed, will serve for a period of 24 months and will be tasked with establishing a disciplinary committee, addressing council-related matters, and overseeing a review of customary laws “as per Article 39 of the Laws of the |Khomani”.

Gariseb said the Electoral Commission of Namibia is set to oversee the process to ensure transparency, while a screening team would verify voters.

“IDs, birth certificates and marriage certificates will be the only acceptable documents,” he said, noting that only individuals over the age of 18 would be allowed to participate.

Grievances to be addressed

The notice also raises serious grievances against the current leadership, alleging a prolonged lack of accountability. “For 15 years you have not called general meetings, answered questions or given reports,” the statement reads.

The chief has been requested to provide extensive documentation, including “10 years' financial reports” and updated records of land rights issued in areas such as ‡Goas, ‡Nossob (Korassieplaatz), Groot Aub, Nauspoort and Kharoxas.

The notice also sets a deadline for a possible voluntary resignation. “Should you choose to do the honourable thing of stepping aside, it must be done on or before 13 May 2026 in writing and through Kaisames Radio, at least one print media and social media platforms,” Gariseb stated.