Namibia: Ondonga Council Bans Women From Salt Pan After Visit

What the report says

The Ondonga Traditional Council in northern Namibia is facing scrutiny after its chairperson, John Walenga, said it is taboo for women to visit the Ondonga salt pan in Omutele constituency, Oshikoto region. The dispute follows a recent exchange visit between councillors from the Khomas and Oshikoto regions, during which a woman councillor from Khomas reportedly visited the site and a video of her holding salt from the pan circulated on social media.

According to The Namibian, Walenga said the traditional authority believes the visit happened without proper consultation and that salt was allegedly collected without permission from traditional leaders. He also said the Ondonga chief had instructed the authority to look into the matter and take action, arguing that elected councillors should respect Ondonga traditional leadership and the rules governing the area.

The controversy has since broadened into a debate over whether any customary restriction can bar women from the salt pan. NamRights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh is quoted as rejecting such a rule as discriminatory and inconsistent with Namibia’s Constitution, which enshrines equality and constitutional supremacy. The article also notes that some of the councillors involved were approached for comment, but not all had responded by publication time. The case highlights the tension in Namibia between traditional authority, public office, and constitutional rights, especially where cultural practices affect access to local sites.