Jacky Britz is now officially the Kaptein of the Baster Traditional Authority following his inauguration today at Rehoboth. 

Britz's designation was approved in February of this year following a Supreme Court ruling that dismissed a rival claim, bringing closure to a prolonged leadership dispute dating back to his 2021 election. 

The celebrations saw Rehoboth adorned in black, red, and white, featuring a procession of horses, traditional attire, and drum majorettes that showcased the community’s cultural pride.

The ceremony took place at the Catholic church in town, which has served as a central pillar in the lives of the Baster community for generations. Since they migrated from the Cape in the 1870s, the church has provided a safe haven for the community.

Holding the ceremony at the Catholic Church, therefore, carried strong symbolic meaning, reflecting the community's journey from displacement to recognition.

In his address, Britz reflected on 158 years of marginalisation, describing his official recognition as a long-overdue restoration of dignity and identity. 

"This church could have been a graveyard; this building might have been a place where our people were killed. There was one gentleman who could read and write, and he had a letter to deliver to the German colonel concerning the people gathered at the church who were to be executed. Luckily for us, he was not easily bribed. He came straight to the community and warned us to escape, and we fled to the mountains. That is why this ceremony here holds such significance for us—because we are blessed."

The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, called for unity and practical steps to improve livelihoods.

"The law requires them to do so in a manner that upholds national values. Laws and policies, and close working solidarity and support for the government at all levels. The mandate includes assisting the Namibian police and the other law enforcement agencies in the prevention of crime and ensuring that community members are informed of developmental difficulties in its area of jurisdiction."

Retired Member of Parliament Ben Amadhila described the moment as a new dawn for the Baster community.

"We are a small nation; we can do wonders here. We can tell the mountains to move or the ocean to stop with our faith. I'm standing here in front of you with my nice suit, but tomorrow I can become a beggar in the street. Let's teach our children about unity and protect them from tribalism. Let's make Namibia one for the sake of our children."

Britz has urged the community to safeguard its culture and traditions, warning against division.

He stressed that there is no place for tribalism in Namibia.