Council of Traditional Leaders

Government body that appoints traditional leaders and oversees traditional authorities under Namibian law, including reviewing applications for chieftainship and authority membership.

2026-01-142026-10-20

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Council of Traditional Leaders

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

October 2026
19 OctNamibian Sun
Council of Traditional Leaders held 27th Annual Meeting in Otjiwarongo
Source
“Sankwasa said at the 27th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Otjiwarongo today.”
BREAKING NEWS - Sankwasa receives 15 chieftainship applications
July 2026
29 JulWindhoek Observer
Council of Traditional Leaders had three new members appointed to it
Source
“The minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, has announced the appointment of three new members to the Council of Traditional Leaders in accordance with the Council of Traditional Authorities Act, 1997.”
Government appoints new members to Council of Traditional Leaders
June 2026
15 JunInformanté
Council of Traditional Leaders is described by President as key partner in promoting social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage and advancing development
Source
“She further reaffirmed Government's commitment to working closely with traditional authorities, describing them as key partners in promoting social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage and advancing development in communities across the country.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah honours Kahimemua Nguvauva, calls for national unity
April 2026
15 AprThe Namibian
Council of Traditional Leaders was represented at the consultative workshop by its chairperson and deputy chairperson
Source
“Let me take this moment to acknowledge the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the council of traditional leaders, Immanuel /Gaseb and Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, as well as traditional leaders who travelled from across the country to attend this workshop.”
Minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa opens traditional authorities law workshop in Otjiwarongo
January 2026
14 JanNew Era
Council of Traditional Leaders participated in consultative meeting on Uukolonkadhi leadership from 30 September to 1 October 2025
Source
“The meeting involved the two disputing candidates and their representatives, the Council of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, the chairperson of the Eight Northern Traditional Authorities Association Ndilimani Iipumbu, the deputy chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders Omukwannilwa Shuumbwa Nangolo, a representative from the Uukwaluudhi Traditional Authority (as the neighbouring traditional authority), and other concerned stakeholders.”
Battle for the Uukolonkadhi crown … as Sankwasa endorses Shoombe
14 JanInformanté
the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders participated in the consultative meeting with candidates and stakeholders
Source
“Sankwasa said that the approval was granted after a consultative meeting last year with the two disputing candidates, accompanied by their representatives, the Council of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, the Chairperson of the Eight Northern Traditional Authorities Association, the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders, a representative from the Uukwaluudhi Traditional Authority — being the neighbouring Traditional Authority to the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority — and all concerned stakeholders.”
Malakia Shoombe designated as new Uukolonkadhi Chief

Politics

Minister warns traditional leaders against misuse of state funds

The News

Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has warned traditional leaders against mismanaging state funds, noting follow-ups revealed unexplained withdrawals from accounts and that councillors were allegedly unaware of how funds linked to Oonani Investments Group were being managed. He said the money should benefit communities through projects such as household electricity connections, gardens, and assistance for sick people needing hospital care.

10 hours ago · Namibian Sun →

Yesterday

Minister warns traditional leaders against misuse of state funds
Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has warned traditional leaders against mismanaging state funds, noting follow-ups revealed unexplained withdrawals from accounts and that councillors were allegedly unaware of how funds linked to Oonani Investments Group were being managed. He said the money should benefit communities through projects such as household electricity connections, gardens, and assistance for sick people needing hospital care.
10 hours ago · Namibian Sun →
Minister Sankwasa questions 15 new chieftainship applications
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has received 15 applications for chieftainship and expressed concerns about the growing number of traditional leaders in Namibia, raising questions about factors driving applications and alleged conflicts between customary practices and national law.
11 hours ago · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 6 August

Succession dispute divides Uukolonkadhi community after chief's death
The Uukolonkadhi traditional community remains divided months after the government formally recognised Malakia Shoombe as chief in January 2026, following the death of Chief Daniel Shooya in October 2024. Discontent centres on claims that Shooya's preferred successor, Johannes Taanyanda Asino, was sidelined in favour of Shoombe, contrary to Aawambo beliefs about honouring the wishes of the deceased.
6 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 29 July

Government appoints three new Council of Traditional Leaders members
Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has appointed three new members to the Council of Traditional Leaders under the Council of Traditional Authorities Act, 1997: chief Eugen Siwombe Kudumo to represent the Kwangali traditional authority, traditional councillor Mukamba Evans Katukula to represent the Masubia traditional authority, and traditional councillor Muhembo Sebastian to represent the Mbukushu/Hambakushu traditional authority. The appointments took effect upon publication in Government Gazette No. 8977.
29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 16 June

President honours Kahimemua Nguvauva at Battle anniversary
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva's legacy during the 130th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Otjunda in Okahandja, calling on Namibians to uphold unity and reject division as the country reflects on its liberation history.
16 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 15 June

President honours Kahimemua Nguvauva, urges national unity
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva at a commemoration of the 130th anniversary of his execution in Okahandja, calling on Namibians to uphold unity and reject division as the country reflects on its liberation history.
15 June 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 15 May

Human rights activist raises governance concerns at Uukwambi Traditional Authority
Phil ya Nangoloh, founder of NamRights Incorporated, has called for an investigation into alleged administrative irregularities and governance failures at the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, arguing they undermine administrative justice and constitutional rights and may create conditions for corruption.
15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 15 April

Minister opens Traditional Authorities Act reform workshop
Minister Sankwasa opened a consultative workshop in Otjiwarongo to review and amend the Traditional Authorities Act 2000 and the Council of Traditional Leaders Act 1997. The minister cited ongoing problems including leadership disputes, proliferation of communities seeking recognition, and the misuse of the Acts for political purposes rather than preserving traditions and cultures.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

Dâure Daman Traditional Authority claims exclusion from Act workshop
The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority says it was not notified of a government workshop in Otjiwarongo to discuss amendments to the Traditional Authority Act, though the urban ministry spokesperson says all traditional authority leaders were invited through the Council of Traditional Leaders. The authority's adviser expressed concerns about lack of transparency on proposed changes and called for traditional authorities to have greater legal rights over natural resources.
13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 14 January

Minister approves Shoombe as Uukolonkadhi chief amid family dispute
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa approved Malakia Shoombe as chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority in January 2026, but community members and family argue that Johannes Asino is the legitimate heir, citing a nomination and will from the late chief Daniel Shooya.
14 January 2026 · New Era →
Malakia Shoombe designated as new Uukolonkadhi Chief
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has approved the application to designate Malakia Shoombe as successor to late Chief Daniel Shooya of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority. Supporters of the late Chief's nominee, Johannes Taanyanda Asino, dispute the decision, claiming the community was kept in the dark and procedures were not properly followed.
14 January 2026 · Informanté →