Traditional authorities called into Namibia’s development effort

An annual gathering in Otjiwarongo has placed community livelihoods, food security and responsible local leadership at the centre of discussions.

Representatives of Namibia’s recognised traditional authorities gathered for the Council of Traditional Leaders’ annual meeting. A presidential message delivered by Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged traditional leadership to help communities address poverty, drought and food insecurity.

The discussions also raised access to communal land, corruption concerns and the need to make decisions within the law. Regional leadership stressed the value of traditional authorities’ participation in public programmes, particularly where services and development initiatives must reach rural communities.