Traditional leaders have been urged to play an active role in driving socio-economic development by helping communities tackle poverty, drought and food insecurity.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's message was delivered at the 27th Council of Traditional Leaders Annual Meeting in Otjiwarongo.
The meeting, attended by representatives of all 53 recognised Traditional Authorities, is discussing the role of traditional leadership in national development.
The president's statement was delivered by Vice President Lucia Witbooi.
"You are our eyes and ears on the ground. You are there to serve as the frontline defence against poverty, drought and food insecurity. We must work hand in hand to ensure that local communities benefit from the natural and other resources found within their communal areas."
The President also identified corruption and land grabbing as key concerns, urging traditional authorities to ensure that disadvantaged communities have access to communal land and farming opportunities.
"Corruption is a cancer that eats at the very fabric of our society. It is unacceptable for traditional authorities to deny less privileged communities access to communal land and farming opportunities."
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa raised concerns over some traditional authorities' alleged disregard for Namibian laws, warning leaders against abusing their powers.
"All leaders are required to exercise their decisions within the parameters of the law enabling such decisions. Therefore, we must avoid abusing power, because power abused will be contrary to the legislation and the requirements of common law."
Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders, Gaob Immanuel |Gaseb, called on Namibians to respect traditional communities, their customs and traditions.
"This will enable traditional communities to resolve disputes, customs and traditions. Whatever belongs to the traditional authority or the royal family of traditional communities will remain theirs. No one will have the right to take it away from them."
|Gaseb also highlighted the impact of Foot-And-Mouth Disease on livelihoods, urging traditional leaders to work together to curb its spread.
Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb stressed that involving traditional authorities in government programmes is essential to their success, particularly in rural communities.
"No government programme, whether in a rural area, healthcare delivery, educational advancement or land distribution, can succeed without your blessings, your mobilisation and your custodianship."
The four-day gathering is being held in Otjiwarongo.