By Eliaser Ndeyanale
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob this afternoon said he could not attend the Damara festival last year because Chief Justus Garoeb is not recognised under the relevant laws of the country as a traditional leader.
In a press statement issued by State House press secretary, Albertus Aochamub, he refuted reports circulating on social media that the President had snubbed the festival.
Aochamub also denied reports suggesting that Geingob did not wish to recognise Chief Justus Garoeb as a traditional leader of the Damara people.
He said that the President accepted the invitation and had confirmed his attendance of the Damara cultural festival at Okombahe before at the last minute it was established that Chief Garoeb wasn’t legally recognised by the country’s laws as a traditional leader.
“It was however discovered at the 11th hour that Chief Justus Garoeb is not recognised under the relevant laws of the country as a traditional leader. That being true, the President was unable to proceed to the planned festival. The advisors and leaders of the traditional authority that Chief Justus Garoeb has jurisdiction over are strongly advised to file the required application with supporting documents without delay to the Ministry Urban and Rural Development so that the application can be considered.
“Where all relevant requirements are met, and on advice from the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, as provided for in the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), the President grants recognition by any qualified leader of any traditional authority within the confines of the law. No favours are granted or any discrimination exists due to political or any other consideration.”