The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Mac Hengari has acknowledged the deep-rooted pain associated with land dispossession, saying that land is not just an economic asset but a crucial element of African cultural and spiritual identity.
Dr. Hengari made the remarks during a meeting with members of the |Khomanin community, who participated in an illegal occupation of land on the outskirts of Windhoek over the weekend in a bid to reclaim ancestral territory.
Social justice activist Rosa Namises briefed Minister Hengari on the occupation, detailing how the |Khomanin group initially attempted to occupy the land without prior notice to the landowner.
But through dialogue, an understanding was reached.
The farm owner ultimately expressed his willingness to sell the land to the |Khomanin, provided the process was handled through formal negotiations
During the engagement, Minister Hengari expressed his understanding of the historical grievances surrounding land ownership and redistribution.
He noted that the Ministry has received various petitions over the years.
Recognising the ongoing frustrations, he emphasised the importance of dialogue.
"Loss of land and what goes with it. People look at land just in economic terms, but the spiritual and the cultural – when he's talking about the grace – everything that we as Africans include with the meaning of a land is a pain I very well understand."
The |Khomanin group, which has a recognized Traditional Authority, seeks rightful ownership of the occupied land.
However, Namises highlighted internal divisions within the Traditional Authority, which she said had created fragmentation within the community.
She expressed concerns that the Authority might obstruct discussions with the farm owner and government officials, citing previous instances where negotiations with white community farmers had allegedly been blocked.
Namises called on Minister Hengari to use his influence and strategic consultation to ensure an amicable solution.
"Mr. Honourable Minister, we also have a challenge with our TA. And it is because of the TA that we are fragmented, like we are. And that we are treating them as if we were rebellious children. Because they don't know, listen to what we are saying. So we are very fearful, concerned that if this kind of discussion happens, we will be blocked. We have been blocked at several locations by officials of the white community farmers. So we are not given the opportunity to achieve what we need to achieve with this discussion. So again here, I would like you to use your intelligence and consultation and give us that amicable solution."
Minister Hengari assured the |Khomanin Group that his office remains open to all citizens, not just institutions.
"I know that you are a concerned group. You have a traditional authority that is recognised. My colleague, Honourable Sankwasa, is very committed to being able to resolve the many issues within the traditional authorities so that they serve the communities they are established for and they move also in unison."