Govt backs King Shuumbwa

Government has approved the designation of Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo as the next Ondonga king. Urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga said in a letter dated 10 June 2019 Nangolo’s application was favourably considered on 7 June 2019 in line with the Traditional Authorities Act. Another faction had installed Konis Kalenga as the next king. “Further, kindly be informed that in terms of Section 5 (7) of the Traditional Authorities Act (No.25 of 2000), the Chief’s Council/Traditional Council or members of the traditional community who are authorised thereto by customary law of your community are required to provide the minister in writing a prior notification of the date, time and place of the designation, to enable the minister or his representative to attend the designation. Kindly notify me as required by law to enable us to complete the recognition process,” Mushelenga wrote. The Ondonga throne fell vacant on 26 March following the death of long-time monarch Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas. After the late king’s burial, a traditional ritual was performed to crown Nangolo as the new king at his homestead of Onambango, while some members of the royal family also unveiled Kalenga as their preferred king at the old palace of Onamungundo. Nangolo has long been considered as heir apparent to Elifas and was already in 2002 named as his successor and deputy. However, a section of the royal family have in recent years disputed this.

STAFF REPORTER