VAALGRAS: The Tjikuirire Stephanus Royal House celebrated the coronation of Aaron Stephanus as the new Chief of the Orlam Vaalgras Traditional Authority (OVTA) on Saturday. Stephanus succeeds the late Chief Joel Stephanus, who passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications after serving as chief of the OVTA for 46 years.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), In his acceptance speech, the new Chief emphasized the importance of unity within the Vaalgras community, highlighting the peace, unity, and tranquillity the community has enjoyed for the past 115 years. Stephanus pledged to unite the divided traditional community and lead them towards prosperity and success. He called on everyone within the jurisdiction of the Vaalgras traditional authority to collaborate with the leadership.

Stephanus expressed his commitment to partnering with government ministries, agencies, and offices to bring developmental opportunities that benefit rural, impoverished, neglected communities. His plan includes revitalizing socio-economic development and government projects and programmes, ensuring wealth distribution for economic parity.

He noted that the Orlams clan is historically known for its progressiveness and prosperity, which inspires the OVTA to restore human dignity and respect among all traditional communities.

Ovaherero Paramount Chief, Hoze Riruako, also attending the event, echoed Stephanus’s call for unity. He stressed the importance of reducing hostility and threats among different groups and working towards a common purpose beneficial to the entire community.

Riruako highlighted the role of the youth in fostering unity, suggesting that cultivating the idea of unity through changing their mindset could help bridge existing divisions.

The coronation, witnessed by a delegation from the Ovaherero traditional authority, health deputy minister, and National Unity Democratic Organisation president, Utjiua Muinjangue, took place at farm Willemsput.