Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa says all traditional authorities without chiefs are expected to have leadership in place before the end of the year, warning that unresolved disputes threaten stability and cultural cohesion within communities.

During the commemoration of the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Sam !Khubis on Friday, Sankwasa called for greater respect for traditional structures and customs passed down through generations.

“We cannot allow a country to become chaotic because of certain individuals who don't want to obey and respect their own culture,” he said.

Held about 80 kilometres outside Rehoboth, the annual gathering drew descendants, community members, and leaders to the historic mountain stronghold, where Baster fighters resisted German colonial forces in 1915.

Sankwasa said the role of government was not to impose traditions on communities but to recognise and preserve existing cultural systems.

“The minister comes to find the culture that was passed over generation to generation,” he said.