The Ovambanderu Traditional Authority engaged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on pertinent issues concerning the Ovambanderu people.

This includes the resettlement programme, basic services and the well-being and development of the Ovambandru community.

The traditional authority delegation led by Ombara Eben Tjozahongo Nguvauva II paid a courtesy visit to the president at State House on Thursday.

Ombara Nguvauva II drew specific attention to the repatriation of Ovambanderu people from Botswana and their temporary resettlement areas and the challenges of health care services and lack of educational facilities they are facing.

The Namibian government acquired two farms to resettle Batswana of Namibian descent of the Ovambanderu, Ovaherero and Nama communities who fled to Botswana during the 1904-1908 German genocide and colonial conflicts.

"We looked at these people that were repatriated, looking at the repatriation programme, because these people are going to be at a temporary resettlement, which is more than 130 kilometres away from the nearest settlement, which is Gam, and facing issues of the health clinic, which is not available. Education-wise, currently, the learners on that side have been taught under the tent by voluntary community members. So we discussed some of these things so that the government can look into these things to integrate these people, because no Namibian child should be left behind or unattended to. And one thing also: we look at the developmental issues among the areas where the Ovabanderu people are residing."

While expressing gratitude to the Head of State for her positive response to the issues raised and her prompt response to meet with the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority, the leader of the traditional authority thanked the government for the symbolic recognition that was given to the late Ombara Munjuku Nguvauva II by naming the military base in Gobabis after him.

Ombara Munjuku II Nguvauva led the Ovambanderu community for over five decades after returning from Botswana and died in January 2008 at the age of 84.

"One thing that I also discuss with her is giving gratitude to the government because of the substantive recognition, or symbolic recognition, that was given to my late father, Chief Munjuku II, in that the Army Base of Gobabis was named after him. So we plan to have the unveiling of the board, which is indicating that it is an army base, this coming weekend, Saturday. So, as media, I'm also inviting you to be at that event. So I'm very positive about the response to the issue that I brought to the office; he responded positively, and that's promising."

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her willingness to engage with the delegation on matters of national interest.

"When we met last time, not in the office, you indicated there has been a long-term request for a meeting. I undertook to speed up the process, and I am happy that today that meeting has taken place. I'm really looking forward to our good discussions on issues of national interests."