Namibia addresses traditional leadership disputes and political interference

Chief Johannes Isaak of the /Hai-/Haua Traditional Authority at Berseba stated that political influence is a major cause of conflict, leading to many traditional authorities lacking legitimate chiefs. He highlighted that Nama traditional leaders have previously requested a review of the Traditional Authorities Act to prevent political interference. Isaak also noted that many Nama tribes are currently denied access to their ancestral land and are not recognized by the government due to political influence.

Sankwasa, speaking at the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Sam !Khubis, emphasized that traditional authorities without chiefs must establish leadership by the end of this year. He added that aspiring traditional chiefs will need to provide proof of lineage, as multiple custodians of communal land in the same area cause confusion in administering the Communal Lands Act. Sankwasa warned that unresolved chieftainship disputes threaten stability and cultural cohesion.

He mentioned that the number of recognized traditional authorities grew from 34 in 1998 to 50 in 2026, with many chieftainship applications still pending. Council of Traditional Authorities chairperson Immanuel |Gaseb agreed, stating that disputes arise because "everyone and anyone wants to become a c