HAMBUKUSHU TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY OPPOSES BWABWATA PARK PROCLAMATION - nbc

The Hambukushu Traditional Authority has opposed the matter of the proclamation of Bwabwata National Park and the related removal of the Hambukushu community from that area. Fumu Erwin Mbambo has submitted his opposition to developments on what he called "Hambukushu Land" due to, among other factors, a lack of consultation on the matter. The document submitted by Fumu Mbambo aims to formally raise legal, constitutional and jurisdictional concerns regarding Bwabwata National Park. In a letter, the traditional authority formally requested a written clarification. "On what legal basis was Bwabwata proclaimed without consultation? Was the Communal Land Reform Act amended to permit such a proclamation? What legal authority permits recognition of a traditional authority within an existing jurisdiction without consent? What safeguards exist to prevent overlapping jurisdiction and conflict?" In the correspondence, the Hambukushu Traditional Authority formally wants the 2007 proclamation of Bwabwata National Park reviewed for legality due to a lack of consultation. They also want the 1999 cabinet decision regarding the removal of Hambukushu from the park to be set aside and for recognition of the Khwe Traditional Authority in the park to be suspended pending lawful consultations. Another is for the government to engage in structured, good-faith negotiations with the traditional authority regarding the governance of Bwabwata communal land. The Minister of Environment, Indileni Daniel, and the Deputy Director of the Land Reform Division, Faustinus Kamwanga, received the submission letters. The officials promised to consult and get back to the traditional authority with answers. The Hambukushu community says the issue has been dragging on for too long, and a solution must be found. The traditional authority says they remain committed to peaceful coexistence, conservation and lawful governance.