Evictions near Etosha delayed because of \'election sensitivity\'
Elizabeth Kheibes
A letter from the Roads Authority (RA) has revealed that the eviction of Himba and San craftsmen and tour guides outside Anderson Gate (Ombika Gate) at Etosha National Park was deliberately put on hold in 2024 due to the \'sensitivity\' of the 2024 general election.
The letter, dated 24 September 2025 and addressed to Naambo Iipinge, deputy director in the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism (MEFT), says the evictions have only been revived this month ahead of a high-profile ministerial visit.
According to the letter, the RA had authorised a “joint operation” to remove what it calls “unauthorised occupiers” from the road reserve near Ombika Gate.
Crucially, the document acknowledges that the eviction was originally scheduled for October 2024 but was withheld because of the national polls.
“The eviction was put on hold due to sensitivity in view of the national election that was approaching. It is now the right time to take action,” the RA letter, signed by chief engineering technician Shangeshapwako Ndeulita, states.
Political expediency
This revelation has fuelled accusations of political expediency, with critics arguing that the communities were spared only while their votes were still needed.
“This is a typical example of how politicians use electorates as pawns in Namibia. They courted these communities during the election season, but now that the votes are secured, they are being cast aside,” a community commentator told Namibian Sun.
Observers also suggest that the timing of the revived eviction is tied to optics, as environment minister Indileni Daniel and German ambassador Dr Thorsten Hutter are due to inaugurate the newly constructed Ombika Gate in a ceremony expected to attract wide media coverage.
Livelihoods under threat
The groups at risk include Himba and San craftsmen and local tour guides who have long depended on tourism near the gate for income.
While the RA cites legal violations under the Roads Ordinance, activists argue that enforcement has been selective and politically timed.
“If this was truly about legal compliance, why wait until after the elections and just before a ministerial visit?” one activist asked.
Attempts to obtain comment from the RA were unsuccessful.
A letter from the Roads Authority (RA) has revealed that the eviction of Himba and San craftsmen and tour guides outside Anderson Gate (Ombika Gate) at Etosha National Park was deliberately put on hold in 2024 due to the \'sensitivity\' of the 2024 general election.
The letter, dated 24 September 2025 and addressed to Naambo Iipinge, deputy director in the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism (MEFT), says the evictions have only been revived this month ahead of a high-profile ministerial visit.
According to the letter, the RA had authorised a “joint operation” to remove what it calls “unauthorised occupiers” from the road reserve near Ombika Gate.
Crucially, the document acknowledges that the eviction was originally scheduled for October 2024 but was withheld because of the national polls.
“The eviction was put on hold due to sensitivity in view of the national election that was approaching. It is now the right time to take action,” the RA letter, signed by chief engineering technician Shangeshapwako Ndeulita, states.
Political expediency
This revelation has fuelled accusations of political expediency, with critics arguing that the communities were spared only while their votes were still needed.
“This is a typical example of how politicians use electorates as pawns in Namibia. They courted these communities during the election season, but now that the votes are secured, they are being cast aside,” a community commentator told Namibian Sun.
Observers also suggest that the timing of the revived eviction is tied to optics, as environment minister Indileni Daniel and German ambassador Dr Thorsten Hutter are due to inaugurate the newly constructed Ombika Gate in a ceremony expected to attract wide media coverage.
Livelihoods under threat
The groups at risk include Himba and San craftsmen and local tour guides who have long depended on tourism near the gate for income.
While the RA cites legal violations under the Roads Ordinance, activists argue that enforcement has been selective and politically timed.
“If this was truly about legal compliance, why wait until after the elections and just before a ministerial visit?” one activist asked.
Attempts to obtain comment from the RA were unsuccessful.
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