Munjuku Nguvauva II - Death and Succession Debate

Death and Succession Debate

Nguvauva's health began to decline after a series of strokes in November 2004 and again in 2005. Complications from the strokes left Nguvauva's with impaired speech. He spent long periods of time in the Gobabis State Hospital and the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek over the next few years as his health continued to deteriorate.

Nguvauva was rushed from his home in Ezorongondo in the Epukiro Constituency to Windhoek Central Hospital on 14 January 2008. He died two days later at the age of 84. Immediately after his death a power struggle developed over the succession to the Mbanderu throne. On potential candidate was Namibia's Fisheries Deputy Minister Kilus Nguvauva, who is Munjuku II Nguvauva's son from a previous relationship. Kilus Nguvauva, like his father, was born in Botswana, another claimant was hi half-brother Keharanjo Nguvauva, the then 23-year-old son of Munjuku II Nguvauva and his wife. Keharanjo Nguvauva was born in Namibia but grew up in Botswana together with his older half-brother. Keharanjo was at that time attending law school in South Africa.

Keharanjo Nguvauva was made chief in 2008. The choice was confirmed by a government enquiry commission in 2009. Members of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority had before called for a change of the tribal constitution to allow for a smoother transition and greater say in who becomes Chief. This position was opposed by others who call themselves the "Concerned Group".