Charles |Uirab was installed as the new Gaob of the Swartbooi Traditional Authority.

Gaob |Uirab succeeded Gaob Daniel Luiperdt, who led the Swartbooi Traditional Authority for the past 38 years.

Leaders from various traditional authorities and traditional leaders graced the coronation ceremony.

Outgoing Gaob Daniel Luiperdt, who has been in and out of hospital, was taken by an ambulance before the coronation ceremony for Gaob-Designate Charles |Uirab.

The coronation was thus conducted by the Nama Traditional Leaders Association Vice Chairperson Gaob David Hanse.

Gaob |Uirab was nominated by the selection committee of the Swartbooi Royal House and the Supreme Council on behalf of the community.

"You did not make a mistake when you selected me; I will take the stick and the head to lead and direct you on the right path," he said. 

The Council of Traditional Leaders Chairperson, Immanuel |Gaseb commended the manner in which the succession was conducted.

"The Swartbooi has demonstrated professionalism and mutual respect towards the customary law of the traditional community. The council of traditional leaders has exuded its agenda only to accommodate leadership disputes pertaining to chiefship succession. It is therefore imperative to note that the Swartbooi Traditional Authority distanced himself from such practice and drives to save its people in the interest of the public."

The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, called on the Swartbooi community to maintain the prevailing peace.

"Although unfortunately, due to circumstances that we just witnessed, he could not be with us in person. He initiated the vital transport within the Swartbooi TA. Leadership is not only about implementing change or revolutionising existing practices, it encompasses how to maintain and enhance the foundation already laid."