Tensions are rising within the |Khomanin community as a group calling for the removal of Gaos Juliane Gawa-!Nas and her traditional council prepares to push ahead with a leadership change tomorrow.
The move follows allegations of unlawful land sales, a lack of accountability, and financial mismanagement raised by members of the |Khomanin Landless Association.
The |Khomanin Traditional Authority has, however, rejected the planned change and threatened legal action, describing the allegations as a smear campaign against the queen.
Speaking over the weekend, social activist and steering committee member Shaun Gariseb said frustrations within the community go beyond land issues.
He claimed there has been no accountability on donations, fishing rights, dividends and sponsorships meant to benefit the community for the past 15 years.
“There is no vision, no clear plan, only self-interest and disregard for the suffering of the |Khomanin people.
The chief has brought deep dishonour to the |Khomanin people and our ancestors.
“She is a leader who destroys rather than develops,” Gariseb said.
A process to remove the queen and her traditional council is expected to take place tomorrow, which Gariseb said would be carried out in terms of Section 8(1) of the Traditional Authorities Act and guided by |Khomanin customary law and the Constitution.
“Land scarcity lies at the heart of our struggle, yet she and her councillors have sold off every remaining hectare we had.
Most of our land is already held by Germans and Boers.
This Saturday, the community will act to restore proper governance and direction,” he said.
Walter Haseb, a special adviser to the queen, has dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated.
Speaking to The Namibian on Tuesday, he said those behind the planned removal are not recognised members of the traditional authority.
He said members are required to pay a N$100 registration fee and a monthly contribution of N$20 to qualify as members.
“The law is clear when removing a chief.
One must be unable to carry out their duties due to mental health issues or where there is evidence and an arrest.
Due process must also be followed.
“These members are illegal because their association is not recognised.
If they have evidence, why have they not reported it to the police?” he asked.
Haseb further argued that any election process would require the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to request ballot papers and the supervision of the Electoral Commission of Namibia, which he said has not happened.
He encouraged registered members with grievances to approach their respective headmen to seek an audience with the queen instead of circulating misinformation.
Haseb also denied allegations of financial misconduct, saying the traditional authority only receives quarterly funding of N$3 000 from the ministry for fuel expenses, amounting to N$12 000 annually.
He said financial records, receipts and bank statements are available and currently under audit.
The authority also received about N$200 000 in funding from Onani for the construction of offices in Dolam, which Haseb said had been fully accounted for.
“It does not economically make sense to call a board of trustees meeting over N$3 000 to present a financial report.
Who is going to pay for the auditors?” he asked.
Haseb maintained that the authority’s financial records remain open to all registered members.
