Illegal fencing has left villagers at Rera Vanyime in the Kavango East Region devastated, as the planting season is passing without a solution in sight. 

The community is now calling on the Minister of Urban and Rural Development to intervene. 

Community members of Rera Vanyime said they have been dealing with illegal fencing and the occupation of communal land since 2015.

 They said the fencing has deprived them of adequate grazing land, the ability to practise sustainable agriculture and access to wild fruit, firewood and clay used for building homes. 

During the NBC News team's visit, villagers pointed out a farm that has recently fenced off two crop fields and one homestead. 

Rera Vanyime Community spokesperson, Stefanus Mbundu, said, "The continued illegal fencing and occupation of our communal land is done by certain individuals with the apparent approval of the Shambyu Traditional Authority. The Rera Vanyime Village was established in 1998 at a time when we had no access to clean water. Our communal members travelled long distances, up to 10 kilometres, to big Karukuvisa and Runtwi to fetch water; this hardship resulted in the loss of livestock, as oxen had to pull silage over long distances. In 2014, the government drilled a borehole for our community, which significantly improved our living condition. Unfortunately, the availability of water attracts illegal farmers who seize the opportunity to erect fences and occupy our land."

Mbundu added that the community has written several letters of complaint to the Shambyu Traditional Authority, but no solution has been reached. 

The villagers are now appealing for intervention from the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. 

"We view this situation as a form of modern-day disposition reminiscent of the colonial era, where communities were deprived of fertile land and resources. We therefore respectfully appeal to your esteemed office to urgently intervene in this matter. Investigate the illegal fencing in our communal area, ensuring that our rights to land, water and sustainable livelihood are protected, and take measures to stop further intimidation and land confiscation. Honourable minister, our community is suffering. We believe in the principle of justice, equity and the constitutional rights of all Namibians to land and natural resources."

When contacted for comment, Hompa Sofia Mundjembwe confirmed that her office is aware of the situation and that the matter is under review.

"This is just youth that want things done fast. I even heard that they went to the governor's office, and he called me to ask about it, and I informed the governor that they are right, the matter is on my table, I have not reached a conclusion yet, and we are still looking into the matter. I am not done. I am yet to call them so that we share the information that my people found on the ground. They did bring for me the information I asked them to collect. I will find time and call them in."

She further called on the villagers to remain patient while her office works toward an amicable solution.