Bukalo: Masubia Chief Munintenge Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa Moraliswani III has announced plans to educate his community on the Communal Land Reform Act 5 of 2002. Speaking on Saturday at the first Masubia Traditional and Cultural Festival held since his coronation in June, the chief emphasised his commitment to simplifying the Act for his people.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Chief Mutwa, a trained lawyer, expressed his intention to make the Act more understandable and accessible, aiming to help his community navigate land disputes effectively. The festival marked the first such celebration since 2019, as events were previously halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of Chief Kisco Liswani III in July 2021.

In a speech delivered by Alfred Ilukena, chairperson of the Masubia Cultural Festival organising committee, Chief Mutwa also shared his plans to preserve the history, heritage, and culture of the Masubia people. He outlined his governance pillars, including measures to protect fish stocks by curbing overfishing within his jurisdiction.

Chief Mutwa emphasised the importance of introducing the Chisubia language in schools, particularly at the lower primary level, to preserve the language and promote its use among children. He praised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's acknowledgment of traditional authorities' role in nation-building during her inauguration in March.

While acknowledging the progress of developmental projects like road networks in the region, Chief Mutwa urged the government, specifically the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, to prioritize the Bukalo water supply scheme to ensure access to clean drinking water. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Bukalo Village Council in meeting the growing demand for residential land.

The festival in Bukalo, located in the Zambezi Region, was attended by government officials, representatives from the four traditional authorities in Zambezi, as well as councillors and politicians, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare serving as the guest of honour.