For years, the government has showered traditional leaders with gifts or favours in return for loyalty to Swapo. But as the years go by, it has become clear this relationship has become untenable, especially in some areas where jobs and development are needed. In some cases, chiefs have been selling mining rights to line their own pockets.
This week, The Namibian reported that Kavango East traditional leaders are investigating how Namibia Berries acquired land in the area without the traditional chief’s approval.
The chief might have a point about protecting the community who claim to be dispossessed on the land. But it brings to the fore a key question about the role of traditional leaders versus development and job creation.
In this case, Namibia Berries claims to have a plan to create 8 000 jobs. But the company says they are struggling to get land to operate from. Until the government sorts out this grey area, Namibia will continue preaching about creating jobs in communal areas and complaining about urban migration.
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