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.

Traditional Authorities in the Zambezi Region have paid homage to the late President Hage Geingob, describing him as having lived a life worth emulating by current and future generations.

Some victims of gender-based violence (GBV) have resorted to reporting cases to the traditional authorities instead of the police in order to get compensation.

Nine new traditional authorities have applied for government recognition.

This is contained in the report of the Council of Traditional Leaders handed to President Hage Geingob by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, at State House.

Okorukambe Constituency Councillor Rocco Nguvauva has called for the improvement of the monthly allowances of traditional authorities for them to function optimally.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says traditional authorities are key in instilling cultural values, traditions, and norms as well as supporting government programmes aimed at ensuring that people are living in unity, peace, and harmony.