Sankwasa warns against ‘divisive’ chieftaincy disputes
• Traditional authority clashes threaten unity, minister warns
The minister says the appointment or removal of chiefs should follow customary laws, not be decided through external platforms such as courts.
Tuyeimo HaidulaONDANGWA
Urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa has cautioned against a growing demand for new traditional authorities and recognition of additional chiefs, warning that the trend undermines the preservation of customs, traditions and cultural values.
Speaking at the opening of the 26th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders at Ondangwa on Monday, Sankwasa criticised disputes within traditional authorities, particularly leadership battles that end up in court.
He described such cases as “divisive tactics” that threaten unity and stability in the country.
He stressed that courts are not the appropriate platform for deciding chieftaincy matters, noting that the appointment of chiefs should follow established customs and traditions.
“As Africans, we have our own norms, culture, values and traditions on how chiefs are identified and designated, which were already in place before European or white people came to Africa,” Sankwasa said.
He emphasised that the nomination, designation or removal of a chief should be done strictly in line with customary laws and not through external recognition processes that fall outside community traditions.
“Nowadays everybody wants to become a chief even if customarily he or she is not a qualified candidate,” he said. “How then does one continue to pursue something which tears the community apart while admitting it makes you unhappy?”
Customary laws in place
Sankwasa emphasised that chiefs are not elected but designated in line with traditions and customary law.
He referenced a 2023 Supreme Court ruling which also discouraged the resolution of succession disputes through modern courts, noting that such judgments often worsen divisions instead of healing them.
The minister reminded traditional authorities of their responsibilities under the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000, which empowers chiefs as custodians of customary law and obliges them to promote peace, welfare and order in their communities.
Sankwasa said government recognises the challenges traditional leaders face, including land management in communal areas, and pledged continued support in addressing them.
The week-long meeting, which runs until Friday, was officially opened by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday.
Urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa has cautioned against a growing demand for new traditional authorities and recognition of additional chiefs, warning that the trend undermines the preservation of customs, traditions and cultural values.
Speaking at the opening of the 26th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders at Ondangwa on Monday, Sankwasa criticised disputes within traditional authorities, particularly leadership battles that end up in court.
He described such cases as “divisive tactics” that threaten unity and stability in the country.
He stressed that courts are not the appropriate platform for deciding chieftaincy matters, noting that the appointment of chiefs should follow established customs and traditions.
“As Africans, we have our own norms, culture, values and traditions on how chiefs are identified and designated, which were already in place before European or white people came to Africa,” Sankwasa said.
He emphasised that the nomination, designation or removal of a chief should be done strictly in line with customary laws and not through external recognition processes that fall outside community traditions.
“Nowadays everybody wants to become a chief even if customarily he or she is not a qualified candidate,” he said. “How then does one continue to pursue something which tears the community apart while admitting it makes you unhappy?”
Customary laws in place
Sankwasa emphasised that chiefs are not elected but designated in line with traditions and customary law.
He referenced a 2023 Supreme Court ruling which also discouraged the resolution of succession disputes through modern courts, noting that such judgments often worsen divisions instead of healing them.
The minister reminded traditional authorities of their responsibilities under the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000, which empowers chiefs as custodians of customary law and obliges them to promote peace, welfare and order in their communities.
Sankwasa said government recognises the challenges traditional leaders face, including land management in communal areas, and pledged continued support in addressing them.
The week-long meeting, which runs until Friday, was officially opened by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article