We propose three candidates for Vaalgras

BAB FROM //KHARAS WRITES:

We were charged by the deposed chief Joel Stephanus for apparent interference into his governance during 2011.

Yes, we appeared in the High Court and we won the case, as there was actually no case. Judge Collins Parker simply asked him or his legal representative, is the man and/or woman still the chief and the answer was: now why are we here today in court?

Then, he said let's handle this simple case because we are just wasting the court's time and that of the communal farmers being charged wrongly.

The final judgement was that administration and bad governance are sufficient reasons to remove a chief or a head of a traditional community in terms of Section 8 of the Traditional Authorities Act No.25 of 2000. It is worrisome that these discrepancies are still continuing, despite that judgement of May 2012.

Some of his staunch supporters are very disappointed with the Gazetting of Mr. Aron Hage Stephanus, apparently as a traditional councillor to take over the chieftainship from him in the intermediate time. In accordance with our Customary Law and practice, we elect leaders, the same instrument through which he came in power during 1975, after the death of his beloved father.

In our view, this handpicked ­candidate is definitely not a leader. He could probably be an administrator.

Secondly, he is disregarding the community on which grace he is a leader, although deposed with a popular democratic vote on 8th September 2012 at Klein Vaalgras. Now, the question begs, why can we not nominate three (3) candidates and go to democratic elections and make peace and to stand together to develop that economically neglected settlement.

I put the blame squarely before the doorsteps of the current Head of State and the previous one, simply because the Act states that only the Minister of Urban and Rural Development and the President can officially remove a chief or a head of a given traditional community. Why should someone be a Swapo member to get away with murder in this country?

What was the purpose of drafting a Constitution if it is not respected, honoured and upheld?

Nowadays we live in a different dispensation and this must be recognized by whichever ruling party for our hard won democracy to prosper. Namibians are peace-loving people, but if provoked this will also come to an end.

Just look at the handling of the land question. Why should President Geingob have fired Hon. Bernadus Swartbooi for apparently telling the truth on a wrong platform?

There is no peace and smooth transfer of power in all the traditional communities. I put it peremptorily that the Government must intervene and take correct remedial and timely decisions in terms of Sections 6 and 7 of the Traditional Authorities Act No.

Why should the deposed chief handover power without settling the controversial Haichas issue? He must clean his table first, before leaving the office in order to step down with honour and dignity.