Gaob Carel Afrikaner has been installed as the new leader of the Orlam Afrikaner Traditional Authority.

His coronation took place at the Okahandja Memorial Gravesite.

The Afrikaner Traditional Authority ǀHôaǀaranǁaixa !Haos or Orlam Afrikaner Traditional Authority is recognised among Namibia's Nama Traditional Authorities.

It traces its history to the 17th-century disintegration of the Khoekhoen, with Klaas and Jager Afrikaner among its early leaders.

The traditional authority's leadership history includes Jonker Afrikaner, who served from 1823 to 1861, making him its longest-serving Gaob. 

He is buried here in Okahandja.

It also records two women who served as Gaobs – Anna the Great from 1900 to 1915 and Hendrina Afrikaner from 2004 to 2011.

Hendrina Afrikaner is also buried here, behind the grave of Jan Jonker Afrikaner.

After waiting for more than three years, the clan has now installed Carel Afrikaner as its new Gaob.

The outgoing Acting Gaob Petrus Olman, who served from 2022 until the installation of the new leader, advised the new leadership with his wisdom.

“Sometimes, you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light. Let us pray and trust God as we entrust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence. With these few words, I entrust you to God’s guidance. May he always guide and keep you, navigate your way through the darkness of the traditional arena, and be your light in all that you do. When circumstances turn against you, just look up and say, ‘God, I am capable.’”

The new Gaob was selected by the Supreme Council, based on his lineage and leadership qualities.

During the ceremony, his wife helped dress him in traditional regalia, while Deputy Chief of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association, Gaob Otto /Uirab, formally swore him in and anointed him with olive oil.

His agenda focuses on strengthening clan structures, addressing succession and land reform, and establishing agricultural and youth councils while giving elders a greater role in leadership.

The traditional authority said it remains without land despite having a recognised jurisdictional area.

Gaob /Uirab shared his vision.

“This is my dream, and it must be realised. In Katutura and everywhere around us, we see people living in shacks. When will our people have a place to call home? When will they get these erven and be able to call them home? Our land tenure system must be investigated so that our people can also benefit and ultimately own a piece of land,” explained Afrikaner.

The coronation comes as the clan seeks to address fragmentation and strengthen unity under its new traditional leadership.