Windhoek: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has issued a warning that tribalism is becoming increasingly problematic in Namibia, posing a significant threat to the country's unity, development, and governance. Sankwasa emphasized that while ethnic identity is a natural aspect of society, tribalism arises when individuals or groups perceive their ethnicity as superior to others.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa highlighted that Namibia's colonial history of ethnic separation continues to impact attitudes, noting that apartheid deliberately divided territories-a system the liberation struggle aimed to dismantle. He observed that unity achieved after independence was short-lived, as people reverted to 'tribal cocoons.'

The minister pointed out that the creation of regional councils soon after independence reinforced ethnic divisions by transforming former ethnic administrations into modern governance structures. Sankwasa argued that political organizations based on tribal lines have exacerbated divisions, making it challenging to achieve the goal of "One Namibia, one nation."

Sankwasa also criticized recruitment and promotion practices in public institutions, stating they often overlook the principle of equal representation mandated by the Affirmative Action Act. He cautioned that an exclusive focus on gender balance, while neglecting ethnic diversity, fosters resentment and tribal tension.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Sankwasa shared that he encountered tribal rejection when appointed as a chief regional officer in southern Namibia, attributing such attitudes to limited thinking and a failure to appreciate Namibia as a unitary state. He urged embracing diversity, identifying tribalism as the country's greatest adversary.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, acknowledged that tribalist sentiments sometimes appear on social media. However, she asserted that there is no evidence of 'systematic tribalism' in Namibia. Theofelus emphasized that despite the apartheid-era division along tribal lines, Namibians united to achieve independence, with no systematic exclusion of any tribe from opportunities.