Geingob warns against self-interest President Hage Geingob has expressed concern over communal land as well as chieftainship succession disputes, which he says have become too common in Namibia.Speaking at the 19th Annual Traditional Leaders Council in Keetmanshoop in the //Karas Region yesterday, the president said if not handled correctly land issues have the potential to cause complete disarray in the country.
“Government is spending more money to investigate these disputes while traditional communities involved in these disputes often fail to cooperate with government in finding solutions thereto,” said Geingob.
He further made a plea to traditional leaders to meet government halfway and to maintain peace within their traditional communities in order to minimise disputes.
“Let us put personal ambition aside and think how we can help our neighbour and the poor members of our communities,” he urged.
The president further cautioned against selfishness and the prioritisation of personal ambitions.
Geingob also affirmed government''s commitment to the promotion and recognition of the role of institutions, of traditional leadership and customary law.
“Government will continue to provide the necessary support and environment that will enhance the capacity of traditional leaders to effectively understand and carry out their roles to govern the communities under leadership more efficiently.”
National concern
Geingob also expressed grave concern over the high rate of motor vehicle accidents on the country''s roads.
According to him government has undertaken many initiatives in order to raise the awareness levels of road users in the hope of curbing road accidents.
“As we draw nearer to the end of the year, the anxiety continues to grow amongst all road users. Most of these motor vehicle accidents are caused by lack of consideration for our fellow women, men and children, through unnecessary risk taking and excessive speeding, sometimes under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
The president also called upon traditional leaders to join this fight to curb the number and frequency of road accidents by engaging motorists in their communities and encouraging them to change their lifestyles and behaviour.