New Chief Calls for Unity

Magreth Nunuhe

18 May 2011

Windhoek — Newly coronated Paramount Chief of Ovambanderu, Aletta Nguvauva says her ascension to the throne is not by default.

“I am not shy. I am able and qualified to be the leader of the Ovambanderu,” said Aletta, to loud applause from supporters at a press conference yesterday to formally introduce herself to her subjects.

Aletta used as justification for her succession to the throne, her marriage to the late Munjuku II Nguvauva, her uncles who had been chiefs and her late son Keharanjo who was installed chief by a faction of the Ovambanderu. Another faction of the tribe backs Kilus Nguvauva, another of Chief Munjuku’s sons and current Deputy Minister of Fisheries, to succeed his father.

The new paramount chief called on the Ovambanderu to unite and reconcile their differences. She said although she still had tears in her eyes, she wanted to continue with the legacy left by Keharanjo who extended a hand of friendship and cooperation to those who had no ill intensions.

She asked the Ovambanderu to humbly accept her as the new chief, even if some do not agree with the move. She called on the community to open their hearts saying, “I have accepted responsibility without having prior experience of leadership, but as a leader, there would be times that I would make decisions and I hope that you will support me.”

Aletta thanked those who supported her family during their dark hour including the Founding Father Dr Sam Nujoma and his wife Kovambo, President Hifikepunye Pohamba and his wife Penehupifo, Swapo, Cabinet Ministers and the whole nation.

Aletta was crowned the new chief at Otjijarua in Omaheke because her sons are still young to take over the throne, according to Erastus Kahuure, Senior Chief of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA).

Aletta’s coronation has raised eyebrows as those opposed to the succession claim that she does not have the necessary credentials to take over the throne.

In an earlier report, Kilus Nguvauva, Deputy Fisheries Minister, said the appointment of Aletta changed nothing in attempts to unify the Ovambanderu.

His faction is reportedly demanding that Jerry Ekandjo, Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing “pronounce himself” on the Ovambanderu succession issue since the death of Kilus’s rival, Keharanjo.

“We stand where we were,” was Kilus’s reply when asked whether there was any likelihood of unity among the tribe.

“But the door is open from our side for discussions on unity within the parametres of the Ovambanderu Constitution.”

Ovaherero Chief Kuaima Riruako, DTA President Katuutire Kaura and other traditional leaders attended yesterday’s press conference.

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