The Stephanus Royal Family on Saturday installed Aaron Hage Stephanus as the fourth Chief of the Vaalgras clan.
The Vaalgras clan, also known as the ‘Nama-speaking Hereros, has been without a chief since the death of Joel Stephanus in 2021.
The Ombara Otjitambi of a faction of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Dr. Hoze Riruako, presided over the coronation ceremony held at Vaalgras.
The traditional high priest of the Ovaherero ignited a sacred fire as a means to communicate with the ancestors and pray for their blessings.
In his maiden speech, Stephanus pledged to lead the Vaalgras community in unity for prosperity and success.
“I pledge to work together with everybody within the jurisdiction area of Vaalgras Traditional Authority, and I thus call on everybody to work together with the authority entrusted.”
He also outlined his goals for socio-economic advancement. “As the new incoming Chief, I have the responsibility to set specific targets, aims, and objectives with specific timelines and timeframes to revitalise the traditional communities from situations in which we find ourselves in terms of socio-economic development and government projects and programmes.”
In his congratulatory message, Dr. Riruako shared his thoughts on unity.
“We must work hard to ensure we bridge the gap between our people. The other thing that I want to talk about is: I want the Hereros; I don’t know where you are in this country; I want you to bring down the temperatures; we can’t be the enemy of ourselves.”
Lucia Basson, a member of the Vaalgras clan, also shared her sentiments on the coronation of their new chief. “Today, we have crowned our leader, and we must walk together in the same direction. It is our duty to protect and defend him as the one chosen by us to lead us.”
NUDO President Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue also graced the coronation ceremony in her personal capacity.
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