The Ovadhimba community in the Omusati Region is up in arms as they say that their attempts to be recognised as a traditional authority for more than 30 years have been futile.

They want the recognition of their own traditional authority to be approved by the Urban and Rural Development Ministry, as they say, this will enable them to administer their customary laws and promote and develop their traditional practices, customs, and norms.

Recently, they held a meeting at Ovikange village in Ruacana constituency to discuss their long-standing request, and this time around they called on civil societies, human rights defenders, and the Office of the Ombudsman to intervene with immediate effect for an amicable solution.

One of the Ovadhimba community members, Munekamba Reckson, said they were informed to remain under the Uukolonkandi Traditional Authority, but it's not fair as Uukolonkandi does not know their cultural values and norms.