THE embattled chief of the Vaalgras Traditional Authority, Joel Stephanus, has withdrawn his group from the alliance of the Nama Traditional Association (NTA).

In his resignation letter he cites “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason.

Approached for comment yesterday, Stephanus refused to go into details about his resignation from the NTA.

“I will not give any reasons now, but if they [NTA] ask me then I will,” said Stephanus.

The Namibian understands that Stephanus is angry at the NTA over its failure to mediate in his fallout with Karas Governor Bernadus Swartbooi.

The relationship between the two hit a low after Stephanus told the Vaalgras community to boycott a meeting with the governor just a few days after Swartbooi’s appointment by President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Stephanus said Swartbooi had not consulted him before scheduling the Vaalgras meeting.

“When any office-bearer wants to convene a meeting in my jurisdiction, I expect from him or her to at least inform me. I have nothing against the governor. I am willing to arrange a meeting with my folk anytime if he wishes. I have taken this bold action to snub the meeting because I was not consulted in advance,” Stephanus said at the time.