I don’t want to be chief – Biwa

Vaalgras Traditional Authority senior councillor Martin Biwa has denied personal interest in the chieftainship, following community allegations that councillors are intentionally delaying the succession process.

Biwa says the traditional authority in the ||Kharas region is currently facilitating meetings between the families interested in forwarding candidates to stand for the position.

This is in line with customary law and the Traditional Authorities Act, he says.

Biwa said this on Wednesday in response to disgruntled Vaalgras community members accusing councillors of delaying chieftainship succession since the death of chief Joel Stephanus.

“How can the traditional authority councillors themselves want to be in the pot while they are appointed to run the administrative duties of the community? This is pure rubbish,” he said.

Community members two weeks ago expressed their frustration with the succession race.

They said the Vaalgras Traditional Authority councillors are causing delays and artificial disputes among families as they themselves are eyeing the position.

Biwa said the traditional authority is awaiting the community’s suggested candidates as Vaalgras consists of multiple family lines.

“To become an acting chief would be the last resort for me, should the community fail to unite and appoint a chief.
“I am not interested in chieftainship.”

He said two aspirant chiefs, Aaron and Samuel Stephanus, both from the same family, have been put forward already.
The division in the Stephanus family has, however, delayed the succession process, he said.

Councilor Aloycious Boys says the council has asked the family to produce one candidate, but that the family is divided.

“Aaron was coronated last year, but cannot get government recognition as his coronation took place outside of the traditional authority and without the broader community.

“The same holds for Samuel, who was coronated during the May long weekend. Neither of them have a supporting letter from the council, nor the backing of the broader community.

“Their applications were not even at the regional governor’s office. How would the government recognise them?” Biwa asked.

Stephanus family spokesperson Laurentia Stephanus says the alleged division was created by the councillors themselves, who reportedly denied ever asking the family for a candidate, allowing Aaron’s coronation.

She says based on customary law, the councillors knew their house is the chieftainship house and that Samuel Stephanus is the rightful chief according to his heritage.

“Even the late chief Joel Stephanus’ wife was satisfied with the coronation of Samuel and handed us the symbols of power and mantle used by the former chief, which we have handed over to Samuel,” Laurentia says.

She acknowledges that the family does not have the traditional authority or governor’s support, and that the application was sent directly to the relevant minister.

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