|Khomanin land: Farm handover sparks controversy

The government’s recent decision to allocate 8 000 hectares of land to the |Khomanin Traditional Authority has ignited mixed reactions among the community and stakeholders, with some hailing the move as progressive. In contrast, others decry it due to alleged insufficient consultations and transparency – a situation which has pitted certain quarters of the |Khomanin community against the traditional leadership. Last week’s handover of two farms valued at N$33.8 million to the |Khomanin Traditional Authority for communal use, which followed years of contention over communal land rights in the Khomas region, is seen by some as a step toward addressing historical injustices. However, land activist Shaun Gariseb, who has been amongst those at the forefront of this issue, expressed scepticism speaking to Namibian Sun. “This is a smokescreen,” Gariseb stated, saying that the land lies outside the Khomas region. He argued that it does not address the community’s ancestral connection to land within Khomas or the broader need for equitable land distribution. Gariseb argues that the land is not within the |Khomanin community’s jurisdiction, adding that it could see the community being victimised in future. “The other day I was saying you don't want to be sceptical of everything being done. But things must be done correctly. If you are correcting things, if there is restorative justice, it must be honest and correct,” he said. Gariseb said that the Khomas region comprises 3.7 million hectares, much of which belongs to private owners. He criticised the government for not purchasing land from large-scale farm owners within the region to create meaningful communal spaces. “There’s this notion that we’ve been begging for land,” he said. “The community is supposed to demand land because it is rightfully ours.”Gariseb explained the distinction between communal land and ancestral land, underscoring the community’s historical ties to specific areas. He voiced concerns that the allocated land’s location and size could lead to overcrowding and non-productivity, ultimately creating settlements rather than thriving agricultural communities. Community Frustration Over Transparency Gariseb questioned the transparency of both the government and the |Khomanin Traditional Authority. According to him, petitions to the government seeking clarity on land redistribution have gone unanswered. The recent handover was reportedly conducted without adequate community consultation, further fuelling discontent. “There’s a lack of transparency from the traditional authority, and the community is not happy about it,” he said. Gariseb's call to action extends beyond the allocated 8 000 hectares. He urged the government to engage with farm owners in the Khomas region and purchase land to ensure equitable distribution. “We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking for what is rightfully ours,” he said, stressing that creating small, isolated plots of communal land fails to address the systemic issue. The controversy underscores the complexities of Namibia’s land reform efforts, as the government seeks to balance historical grievances with economic and social considerations. SecrecyThe handover, described by government officials as a “historic event” has instead been labelled by critics as a continuation of past injustices, likened to the forced displacements of 1959. Gariseb expressed deep disappointment, claiming the process has left communities uninformed and side-lined. Community members further allege that government officials bypassed stakeholders, including those directly affected, and instead engaged only with traditional authorities. Gariseb questioned why such an event, purportedly celebrating progress, was conducted in secrecy.

|Khomanin land: Farm handover sparks controversy

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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|Khomanin land: Farm handover sparks controversy

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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