President Nangolo Mbumba engaged traditional leaders of the eight northern traditional authorities at Oshakati this morning.

The aim was to familiarise himself with traditional leaders, inform them officially that he had taken office as Head of State, and seek their blessings.

"You are saying I was appointed as President who appointed me; I was not appointed; I only assumed the office as per the constitution. I don't need anybody to appoint me; the constitution appointed me. Are we in agreement? I am the only president who was not elected by anybody. I came out of parliament, not from the bush."

Mbumba held a closed door meeting with traditional leaders.

The chairperson of the eight traditional authorities, Elenga Enene Herman Iipumbu of the Uukwambi traditional authority, spoke on behalf of the others. 

Iipumbu informed the Head of State that this year, poor rainfall characterised by dry spells was being experienced in most parts of the northern region.

He says nothing much will be harvested from Mahangu fields this year, and people were also faced with a shortage of water as most wells and earth dams dried up due to insufficient rainfall.

Livestock farmers were also challenged by a lack of grazing for their animals, and government intervention will be highly valued, he added.

"As traditional leaders, we are obliged to inform you about challenges related to land dispute and land distribution thereoff. We wanted to discuss land issues with the late President, but unfortunately, it did not happen. Now, we just want to inform you that land related matters are a concern we face on a daily basis as traditional leaders."

President Mbumba informed traditional leaders that he took note of the looming drought, and this will prompt the government to dig deep into its coffers to see to it that people and their livestock are taken care of.

On the occasion, Dr. Mbumba informed the gathering that this is the year of elections and division, and groupings and cliques should be avoided at all costs.

He says Namibia is one, and people should be guided by the slogan of one Namibia, one nation.