Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to engaging traditional authorities after meeting a delegation from the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority, where discussions focused on the welfare of repatriated community members, access to basic services and development priorities.
The delegation, led by Ombara Eben Tjozohongo Nguvauva II, met with the President at State House following a request made during the commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Okahandja.
Welcoming the delegation, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she had committed herself to facilitating the meeting and was pleased it had taken place.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
“I undertook to speed up the process, and I am happy that the meeting has taken place”, the President said, adding that she looked forward to discussions on matters of national interest.
Nguvauva thanked the President for granting the meeting and expressed appreciation for the Government’s swift assistance to members of the Ovambanderu community who recently returned to Namibia from Botswana.
He said many of the returnees had already received national identity documents and were benefiting from social grants, describing the Government’s response as timely and important in helping them reintegrate into Namibia.
The traditional leader also raised concerns about the living conditions of the repatriated families, who are currently accommodated in a temporary resettlement area located more than 130 kilometres from the nearest settlement.
According to Nguvauva, the community faces significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare, while learners are currently being taught under tents by volunteer community members due to the absence of permanent education facilities.
He said these issues were discussed with the President to ensure the returnees are fully integrated and have access to essential public services.
“No Namibian child should be left behind or unattended to,” Nguvauva said.
The meeting also addressed broader development challenges affecting areas where the Ovambanderu community resides, with Nguvauva calling for improved infrastructure and services to ensure communities benefit from national development.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to the Government for honouring his late father, Chief Munjuku Nguvauva II, through the naming of the Gobabis army base in his honour.
Nguvauva said preparations are underway for the official unveiling of the army base’s new signage.
He described the meeting as positive and welcomed the President’s response to the issues raised.
The Presidency said the engagement forms part of the Government’s continued commitment to maintaining meaningful dialogue with traditional authorities and ensuring communities across Namibia are included in the country’s development agenda.
