/Khomani community threatens mass protest over chief, missing audit report

Sostenus Wilherm

A section of the /Khomani traditional community has threatened to stage a mass demonstration at the ministry of urban and rural development on 1 September unless it receives a response from the government regarding demands to remove chief Juliane Gawanas and the outcome of a long-awaited financial audit into the affairs of the traditional authority.

In a letter addressed to line minister James Sankwasa, community representatives said about 1 000 members are expected to gather outside the ministry’s offices in Windhoek to demand answers over what they describe as prolonged silence on governance and financial accountability issues.

The community said the planned demonstration follows months of unsuccessful attempts to obtain feedback from the ministry after requesting an audit report and submitting the outcome of a referendum calling for the removal of the chief.

“This letter serves as a notice that approximately 1 000 /Khomani traditional community members will gather in front of the ministry building on 1 September 2026 to demand responses,” the letter states.