Hai//om seek return of ancestral Etosha land

Paul Oabeb (56), a member of the Hai//om community living in Etosha National Park near Okaukuejo, close to Ombika Gate, has raised concerns over restricted access to their ancestral land.

Speaking to Namibian Sun last weekend, Oabeb said members of the Hai//om community in the Etosha area want their land returned.

He said community members are not allowed to enter the bush to search for food or traditional medicine, and those found doing so face fines. Oabeb added that the restrictions are undermining the preservation of their cultural heritage, particularly among younger generations.

“We can’t even go into the field with our children or grandchildren to teach them what our elders taught us about our culture, which is really a sad thing,” he said.

-Aurelia Afrikaner