EDITORIAL: Stop the power struggle
The ongoing power struggle within the ranks of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) is one that cannot be allowed to continue.
As one of the biggest traditional authorities in the country, the repercussions of disunity will not only be confined to the Ovaherero community, but is bound to infiltrate the entire nation.
While it is easy for outsiders to cast aspersions and call for a quick solution to the matter, we must remain cognisant that traditional matters are not some academic assignment that can be completed overnight. There is need for constant consultations, compromises and mutually-beneficial outcomes to preserve the rich customs and rituals of OTA and its followers.
This week’s High Court order stating that Professor Mutjinde Katjiua does not have locus standi held by the Paramount Chief to bring applications to court must act as a signal for the two factions to converge and work out a common solution.
OTA chairperson Vipuira Kapuuo and his faction must also be magnanimous in victory by reaching out to the Katjiua team to find a lasting solution to this matter.
For as long as the OTA is divided, true unity can never exist amongst the Ovaherero community. The ultimate responsibility is on Katjiua and Kapuuo to put their pride aside and sit around the fire like real men to end all this drama.
Their actions will eventually determine the attitude of their followers going forward.
As one of the biggest traditional authorities in the country, the repercussions of disunity will not only be confined to the Ovaherero community, but is bound to infiltrate the entire nation.
While it is easy for outsiders to cast aspersions and call for a quick solution to the matter, we must remain cognisant that traditional matters are not some academic assignment that can be completed overnight. There is need for constant consultations, compromises and mutually-beneficial outcomes to preserve the rich customs and rituals of OTA and its followers.
This week’s High Court order stating that Professor Mutjinde Katjiua does not have locus standi held by the Paramount Chief to bring applications to court must act as a signal for the two factions to converge and work out a common solution.
OTA chairperson Vipuira Kapuuo and his faction must also be magnanimous in victory by reaching out to the Katjiua team to find a lasting solution to this matter.
For as long as the OTA is divided, true unity can never exist amongst the Ovaherero community. The ultimate responsibility is on Katjiua and Kapuuo to put their pride aside and sit around the fire like real men to end all this drama.
Their actions will eventually determine the attitude of their followers going forward.
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