THE /Hai-/Khaua clan, a sub tribe of the Namas, on Saturday gathered in large numbers at the southern village of Berseba to commemorate the first festival since the founding of the /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority on April 24 last year.
The festival-goers were entertained with horse riding performances, Nama traditional dances, affectionately known as the Nama Stap, and songs. The /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority was given Government recognition in May last year following its establishment to end a long-standing and bitter chieftainship dispute that had divided the clan into Goliath and the Isaak factions for almost 40 years. In his message /Hai-/Khaua captain, Johannes Isaak, reminded the clan members that unity is the key and foundation for collective social advancement. ‘It is vital that unity must enable us, the /Hai-/Khaua community members and the citizens of the Republic of Namibia, to undertake progressive actions, projects and programmes, which will lead to improvement in the living conditions of our community and beyond,’ Isaak said. Saying the /Hai-/Khaua traditional community tasted bitterness for over 40 years, Isaak promised that the clan shall pursue peace without fear and favour to enable it to remain steadfast on the road to unity.Referring to the splinter Goliath coterie who refuses to acknowledge the /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority leadership, Isaak said his leadership will continue to pursue dialogue with the section of community members who do not associate them with this all-important development until such time that they come on board. Isaak thanked Karas governor Bernadus Swartbooi and Local Government Minister, Jerry Ekandjo, for their tireless efforts and assistance which had made it possible for the clan to be given government recognition. In the wake of the recent rumors that the reshuffling of Swartbooi and Hardap governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa to other regions was imminent, Isaak appealed to the Office of the President.’Under them (Swartbooi and Hanse-Himarwa) we foresee positive developments and material improvement in the living conditions of our communities. Please, do not misunderstand me, I know they will be the same in other regions. I also know that other Namibians when and if they are assigned to these two regions will be able to measure up to the task. I believe that these two compatriots are doing very good work and my communities would like them to be given more time where they are currently assigned,’ Isaak added.Also speaking at the event Prime Minister Nahas Angula urged the traditional leadership to take the lead in mobilising communities to wage the war against poverty, deprivation, hunger and disease.’The traditions leadership fully understands the aspirations, the apprehensions, fears and hopes of a traditional community, therefore Government development programmes should be fully informed by the inputs of traditional leaders,’ Angula added. Apart from officiating the clan’s first festival celebrations, Angula also launched the /Hai-/Khaua Trust. He took the lead and pledged N$5 000 towards the newly established trust, followed by other dignitaries like Swartbooi, DTA president Katuutire Kaura, CoD president Ben Ulenga, Deputy Minister of Local Government Priscilla Beukes and Swapo MP Lucia Witbooi.
