DTA slams Govt over recognition of Herero chiefs

LEADER of the opposition DTA, Katuutire Kaura, has once again raised the issue of Government’s non-recognition of certain Herero traditional leaders.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he questioned Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing Joel Kaapanda on when the more than 40 applicants could expect a decision on their status. According to Kaura, the traditional leaders in question believed that some “would be handpicked for recognition”.”For how long is your Swapo government going to treat the Hereros as foreigners in their own country?” he wanted to know.”Are you going to imitate Von Trotha [German general in the colonial times] in your suppression of the Herero people?” In December 2001, the High Court ruled in favour of 39 applicants which Government would not recognise as leaders, and ordered that their applications be reconsidered.Led by Herero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako, the group sued the President and the then Local Government Minister Nickey Iyambo for only recognising four of its leaders in terms of the Traditional Authorities Act of 1995.The complainants alleged that Government’s appointments were politically motivated because they supported the ruling party.Kaapanda is expected to provide answers to Kaura’s queries on September 2.According to Kaura, the traditional leaders in question believed that some “would be handpicked for recognition”.”For how long is your Swapo government going to treat the Hereros as foreigners in their own country?” he wanted to know.”Are you going to imitate Von Trotha [German general in the colonial times] in your suppression of the Herero people?” In December 2001, the High Court ruled in favour of 39 applicants which Government would not recognise as leaders, and ordered that their applications be reconsidered.Led by Herero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako, the group sued the President and the then Local Government Minister Nickey Iyambo for only recognising four of its leaders in terms of the Traditional Authorities Act of 1995.The complainants alleged that Government’s appointments were politically motivated because they supported the ruling party.Kaapanda is expected to provide answers to Kaura’s queries on September 2.