Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni has reiterated the need for communities and their traditional leaders to use the correct traditional titles when referring to traditional leaders.

According to the minister, the increased usage of the terms “king” and “queen” in reference to traditional leaders is constitutionally and legally incorrect, according to Section 11 of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act 25 of 2000).

The recognition of  Felix Muraghuli as Hompa for the Gciriku Community has stirred discontent among some members of the royal family.

While one faction is urging the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, to reconsider his decision, another faction has opted to pursue legal action.

Since the death of Kassian Shiyambi in 2019, the Gciriku People have been without a Hompa.

The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development announced Murauli's recognition as Hompa for the Gciriku Community in a letter issued last week.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has settled the long-standing dispute within the vaShambyu traditional community regarding the succession of their Hompa.

The court upheld the designation of Sofia Mundjembwe Kanyetu as the Hompa and brought an end to the avenues for an amicable resolution that had been exhausted.

The case, which centred around the designation process and the customary law applicable to the community, has finally reached a conclusion, bringing an end to years of uncertainty.

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in an appeal application by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development against an interim interdict to stop recognizing Sofia Mundjembwe Kanyetu as Hompa of the Vashambyu Tribe in the Kavango East.

The appeal comes after the High Court ruling by Justice Thomas Masuku granted the interim interdict by Maria Ukamba Haindaka, who had been nominated for the position of Hompa along with Mundjembwe Kanyetu.