Residents of Ward 10 at Grootberg say several senior traditional councillors of the |Gaio Daman Traditional Authority continue to serve despite their tenures having expired.

The community says this raises serious concerns about governance and compliance with the Traditional Authorities Act.

The community of Grootberg took to the streets before having a community meeting to discuss their grievances.

Wards 6 and 10 fall under the jurisdiction of the |Gaio Daman Traditional Authority.

The |Gaio Daman Traditional Authority is one of the Damara Traditional Authorities recognised by the government.

According to residents, senior traditional councillors are continuing with their tenure since taking office in 2002.

Memory Ganuses is a concerned community member.

"We petition for the removal of senior and traditional councillors whose five-year terms have expired as per the Traditional Authority Act of 2002. Their continued tenure is unlawful and undermines governance; they are from 2002 to 2026."

The concerned group also alleged that the traditional authority is operating from Otjiwarongo, which is outside its jurisdiction.

The group accused the traditional authority of fuelling disputes over unlawful land ownership, leading to infighting within the community.

Laurence Gaeseb is another concerned resident.

"They have been living there ever since. These leaders do not do farming activities; they do not have any interest in our area. The financial mismanagement is also in the petition, but it's beyond that. It sounds small, but it's been years now."

Residents further highlighted the absence of a board of trustees, which they say has contributed to mismanagement and lack of oversight. 

The petition was received by the Administrative Officer for the Agriculture Development Centre, Carla Ganes.

Spokesperson of the |Gaio Daman Traditional Authority, Archillaus Namaseb, denied any wrongdoing.

He says the traditional authority did not receive an invitation to attend the community meeting.

However, he explained that even though they have been traditional councillors since 2002, their positions were renewed every fifth year by the late Chief Haraseb.