Traditional authorities request Govt reviews agreement with Angola

THE Ukwangali, Mbunza and Oukwanyama traditional authorities have requested that parliament reviews the border crossing agreement between Angola and Namibia, as well as with other countries bordering Namibia.

The traditional authorities made the call in 2021 when the Office of the chairperson of the National Council conducted an outreach programme to the northern regions to conduct civic education.

During the outreach programme, led by the vice chairperson of the National Council and constituency councillor of Rundu Urban, Victoria Kauma, the delegation visited traditional authorities, youth groups and regional councils, among others.

In a report on the outreach programme, the traditional authorities raised concern over cross-border issues between Angola and Namibia regarding boundaries not being properly demarcated.

They say the boundaries are not clearly demarcated, and cross-border crime committed on both sides is rampant.

The traditional authorities also indicated that substance and drug abuse is taking place freely along the borders of the two countries.

Namibia and Angola are bordered by the Okavango River, with Namibians having settled on both sides of the river before independence.

Furthermore, the Ukwangali TA strongly suggested that parliament consider amending or reviewing the Traditional Authorities Act 25 of 2000 as it does not address several challenges.

The request to review the Traditional Authority Act 25 of 2000 comes after Ukwangali chief Eugene Siwombe’s legitimacy as chief was questioned by a faction within the Ukwangali TA, through an application to the High Court on several occasions.

The Ukwangali TA believes when traditional authorities register a concern on specific issues, they are dragged to court.

The Ukwangali TA also urged all political office bearers and government officials to make it a culture to first pay courtesy visits to traditional authorities before engaging in any business in their respective areas.

The Oukwanyama TA raised concerns about numerous challenges, such as the looming drought, which has caused animals to die and left households without potable water.

It also raised the issue of illegal border crossings and urged the government to address border issues urgently, and look into accommodation facilities for hostel boarders in some areas in Ohangwena region.

During the same outreach programme, the Ondonga TA advocated for peace in the region and Africa.

During the meetings, the then chairperson of the Ondonga TA and one of the founding members of the National Council, the late Vilho Kamanya, asserted that laws are made with little input from the community which requires more time to make meaningful contributions.
The late Kamanya believed communities have several issues that can be debated.
The traditional authorities also registered their concerns about the lack of cooperation between them and the Regional Council.
The report, which will also be shared with various ministries and agencies, also contained various recommendations.
As part of the National Council’s recommendations, parliament should enhance comprehensive public consultation and engagement when bills are discussed and passed.
It also recommends regional councils and traditional authorities work together to look at reviewing the Traditional Authorities Act 25 of 2000.
The report indicates that the border crossing agreements between Namibia and neighbouring countries should be reviewed and the provision of potable water to rural communities, particularly in the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions be expedited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform.