Salute Amupanda for rejecting the chain

ALPHONS KORUHAMAI salute Windhoek mayor Dr Job Amupanda for rejecting to wear the mayoral chain.Firstly, let looks at the origin of the mayoral chain and its symbolism. The wearing of mayoral regalia is an English tradition which dates back to at least the 14th Century. This is worn as a mark of pride in the municipality and it represents the responsibility, authority and dignity which attached to the office. This chain has symbols and each symbol represent following: Starting at the left shoulder, the first medallion honours the Welsh and English pioneers of the area with the Leek and the Rose. The second medallion recognises the large equestrian interest in the community. The plates which follow are inscribed with the names of five of the communities now incorporated into the Township of King: Laskay, Snowball, Ansnorveldt, Kettleby, Schomberg. The next medallion on the left is the Flower of Ontario - the “Trillium”. The large pendant bears the Crest for the 'new' Township of King. The Crest features a plate depicting a Crown for “King”, a Sheaf of Wheat, Hills and Rivers and a Beaver symbolising the various activities of the area. Continuing up the right side, the first medallion is the Trillium, and then the Ontario Coat of Arms surrounded by Maple Leaves. Corresponding with the left side are the names of the five remaining communities also incorporated into the Township of King, making a total of ten: Nobleton, Lloydtown, Strange, Pottageville and King City. The next medallion honours Agriculture and consists of a Corn Stalk, a Pumpkin and a Pear. The last medallion on the right side again honours the area pioneers, this time the Irish and the Scottish with a Shamrock and Thistle.Looking at the above description of the mayoral chain, I salute Dr Amupanda for his bravery to reject it, and inform him to design a Namibian mayoral chain that dignify the Namibian heritage. Therefore, let's give a bit background of the young man in picture here. He is the descendant of pre-colonial Aawambo people who were wearing a complex and fascinating costume which originally consisted of leather loincloth, girdle and ornaments made from objects, such as oyster shell, reeds, ivory buttons etc.Amupanda is not in King City, for God's sake. His blood is responded to the Finnish missionary activities in Owambo from 1870 which was instrumental agents in the alteration of Aawambo traditional dress, and replaced it with mayoral chain. It is about time those in higher authority begin to change the narrative of not using western templates to governor our people. We need to see a fusion of indigenous knowledge that was governing our people pre-colonial instituted in our governing policy. Furthermore, the City of Windhoek has been governed by those embracing mayoral chain but the order of the day in the city council was fighting and rooting. This doesn't symbolize our dignity, and none of what the mayoral chain represents had reflected in the city. The citizens did not vote the councillors to go wear chains, but to deliver service to them.

Salute Amupanda for rejecting the chain

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-22

Please login to leave a comment

Salute Amupanda for rejecting the chain

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-22

Please login to leave a comment

Login