The disregard for customary laws by some traditional authorities has resulted in persistent leadership succession squabbles.

This is according to the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, who has appealed to traditional leaders to show greater tolerance and respect for customary laws.

!Nawases-Taeyele was speaking at the opening of the Legal Framework Training for Traditional Authority Leaders in Swakopmund.

She stressed that the ongoing leadership disputes are creating unnecessary disunity and hindering community development.

"I hate to say this, but the notion that our forefathers are turning in their graves seems appropriate to mention at this moment, given what is currently happening within our traditional authorities. It has become public knowledge that some of our traditional authorities are disregarding the law. I want to illustrate instances where traditional authorities deliberately avoid establishing structures of governance, including important structures such as the chief's council."

The Deputy Minister further stated that, in some instances where traditional authority councils are established, members deliberately fail to consult or respect traditional leaders because they promote their own interests.

"That's where the fighting also comes in. When they engage in these disputes, they often have their own interests and prolong the processes. I've seen this firsthand; I'm speaking from experience, as some even start aspiring for that chieftainship."

She clarified that the ministry is not mandated by law to choose traditional leaders.

"What we are mandated to do is to verify whether you have followed and applied all due processes before we endorse or approve your respective decisions. It is in that regard that I humbly appeal to all my respected leaders to show greater tolerance and respect for your customary laws and norms."

Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses called for peace among traditional leaders and communities.

"Let us learn to co-exist; let us be exemplary. Let us stop behaving like small children, stop backstabbing, and stop complaining to ministers about domestic issues."

The five-day workshop aims to strengthen traditional leaders' understanding of the legal framework, empowering them to effectively serve their communities.

Traditional authorities from the Kunene, Otjozondjupa, and Erongo regions are attending the training.