Minister argues traditional monarchies should be abolished in Namibia
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa argues that traditional chiefs in Namibia are appointed from royal bloodlines and accountable only to royal families, noting that Namibia's monarchies control land, influence local governance and receive state funding. The article contends that these monarchies are political actors rather than neutral cultural institutions and traces their roots to pre-colonial systems of social hierarchy later reshaped by colonial administrations.
Minister's argument for abolishing traditional monarchies opens major constitutional and governance debate about power structures, land control, and state funding.
7 June 2026 · The Namibian →