Windhoek: Shaun Gariseb, spokesperson for the |Khomanin Traditional Community, has accused Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa of neglecting community concerns and failing to review documents related to traditional leadership disputes and financial statements. Tensions escalated during a confrontation between the minister and the community on Tuesday at the ministry's chambers, where the community sought a response to a petition submitted in June outlining their grievances.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the dispute arose after Sankwasa justified his refusal to intervene directly in the leadership petition, citing statutory procedures. He asserted that internal audit reports are confidential for administrative purposes and that leadership disputes must be processed through regional governor offices before reaching Cabinet. The minister maintained that direct involvement from the outset would compromise his legal impartiality.

"There are two reports. One, there is the Auditor-General's report, which is compiled by the Auditor-General, submitted to Parliament, and becomes public knowledge for public consumption. An internal audit report is not for public consumption. In this case, you are talking about demanding an internal report to be given to the public," he said. He responded to the community's request for financial disclosure concerning traditional authority management over the last 15 years.

Gariseb confirmed that the committee adhered to the necessary procedures outlined in the Traditional Authorities Act 25 of 2000 and invited officials to oversee the process. "We did not come here expecting you to bypass procedure; we simply came to request a status update on the documentation we previously submitted. Our community has already followed the proper channels, informed all relevant stakeholders, and even sought guidance from your office to ensure everything was done above board. Please actually read our document as it will assist you in making an informed decision," he insisted.

Gariseb asserted that the minister ignored their detailed submission and chose to lecture them instead of addressing key issues. Sankwasa noted that a minister responsible for making final decisions should not offer preliminary guidance during the early stages of a dispute, as it risks compromising neutrality, particularly concerning the traditional authority dispute.

Gariseb, however, contended that the ministers are the ones undermining and disrespecting the community. "Do not stand there attempting to lecture us; we fully understand our rights and procedures. You have a constant tendency to lecture citizens rather than acknowledge our grievances, and that lack of regard for the community is completely unacceptable," Gariseb argued.

The ongoing dispute originates from a decision by |Khomanin community members to seek the removal of their traditional leadership due to allegations of power abuse, unauthorised land transactions, and financial mismanagement. After a community vote, representatives requested ministerial intervention and updates on their submissions, resulting in confrontations regarding administrative procedures, statutory oversight, and public accountability.