By: Josia Shigwedha & Nduuvundi David 

Community members from Ekonghola village in Oshikoto region staged a peaceful demonstration against the appointment of the new headman, alleging that he does not reside in the village and only owns a cattle post. They also said that they will only accept a leader whom they elected themselves.  

The residents marched from Shell service station in Ondangwa to the Ondonga Traditional Authority Office at Oluno, where they handed over the petition.

Group spokesperson Aune Gabriel said that they do not want Sylvanus Elago to be their leader, stating that he is not from Ekonghola and does not know the needs of the community.

According to Gabriel, the Traditional Authority Act of 2000 stipulates that a headman or woman should be elected by residents and need to be a permanent resident in the village; hence, this makes the candidate not a suitable person to lead. 

“The Ombulu district leader is enforcing the community to accept someone the community does not want. According to the traditional authority act of 2000 that the headmen should be elected by residents. And he or she will be a permanent resident in that area with a house in that village,” said Gabriel.

Accepting the petition, Lot Kasamane, who is second in charge in Ondangwa district, assured the demonstrators that their petition would be given to the relevant authority who will deal with the matter. 

“We accept the petition. You should expect an answer from the leader of Ondonga Traditional Authority soon because he will respond, not on your time, but his time,” stated Kasamane.

The Ekonghola village which is part of the Ombulu district falls under the Ondonga Traditional Authority, and has over 30 villages. Elago, the incoming headman for Ekonghola village is expected to be inaugurated on the 21 November.