The Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana through its National Executive Committee adopted a "Non – alliance" stance on the Mbanderu dispute which started as a disagreement on the provisions of a constitution purported to be adopted by a section of the oVambanderu in Namibia on behalf of the entire tribe. The conflict has now grown and mutated to a succession dispute. One group is rally behind Keharanjo Nguvauva while the other group is behind Kilus Karaerua Nguvauva. This has been a long and protracted dispute, now at its manifest stage where everyone, passively or actively involved feels the heat. The purpose of this article therefore, is to explain how and why the Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana adopted a "Non-alliance" position.
This position was first discussed at the association's national conference held on the 26th May 2007 in Sehitwa, and later endorsed by a national consultative workshop(Leadership forum) held on the 27th September 2008, in Francistown. On the 1st November 2008 the Myab National Executive Committee adopted it as an official position of the association, on the matter.
I presume is now the duty of all the structures of the association including individual members to ensure total commitment to the position to show unity of action and purpose. We should be vehemently defend and explain it, to all who seek clarification and justification, without fear or flattery. During the discussions the following reasons and factors were noted and considered;
1. Lack of facts and direct involvement in the whole crisis:-It is true that people in conflict tend to put their side of the matter in a better light, and this employs the use of extreme rhetoric by the parties involved. Since we are not directly involved in the strategic planning sessions including meetings, our judgment and choice will short of true/real facts and become skewed(it will be from a less informed position), hence better to remain non-aliened.
2. Legal requirements:-We are not Namibians. The parties involved sort the assistance of the Namibians courts of law and legal systems to determine the matter. In terms of the law, we are technically excluded from the whole issue. Even the said constitution has little or no direct effect on us. Involvement in the matter at that level will compromise our legal status and put us in an awkward position. Our allegiance and support will also compromise the legitimacy of the issue(s) and weaken the position of the group we are to support in the eyes of the Namibian government and the law.
3. Mediation:-Conflict is a universal phenomenon wherever people, with their diverse unique natures, work for the same institution. It is present in a wide range of social relationships and can occur in a particular individuals, between different individuals and between groups. Positive or negative consequences, depends largely on the approach followed and the nature of the solution. Our believe is that, the solution to this conflict is through negotiation, and we have already availed our selves for that purpose. On that basis is neither logical nor strategic for us to endorse and support any of the conflicting parties.
How to behave (members)?
First and foremost we should accept that there is a conflict in our tribe, which resulted in the emergence of two antagonistic groups. Secondly we should view this conflict as an opportunity to improve and develop our conflict management capacity as a tribe. Our actions and general behavior therefore, should reflect the principle of 'non-alliance'. We should not seem to be;
1. hostile to any of the groups
2. working in cahoots with any of the groups
3. engaged in hate-talk or speech for/against any of the groups
In conclusion we should understand that the Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana can't force peace upon the parties, but at least we can create a space and an atmosphere, in which talks can start. It is our obligation as an association to ensure that there is peace, harmony and cohesion in our people. It is my honest believe that you will heed the call and support the course.
Thank you,
Tjiramanga Kavei
Secretary General-MYAB
23/06/2010
