own traditional leaders. The wars against the Namas and Germans made it necessary for all the clans to unite, as a group, in order to elect one military leader who would lead all the clans in the wars against the Namas and the Germans. That is how, on 15 June 1863 at Otjizingue (now Otjimbingwe), Maharero was elected as the commander-in-chief ("muniovita") of all the Herero clans. The various clans were headed by their own chiefs and traditional councilors, who represented them and reported to the commander-in-chief. Maharero was elected, at a meeting held at Otjizingue (Otjimbingwe) during 1867, by the clans as the very first Paramount Chief ("muniouje” and “ombara otjitambi") Political chief representatives of Hereroland and Herero tribe parliamentarians Hereroland was declared in 1968, along with other bantustans in South West Africa. Self–governance of Hereroland was granted on 26 Jul 1970, which lasted until May 1989. The Chair of the Executive Committee of Hereroland was occupied by: Hosea Kutako (2 October 1968 to July 1970) Clemens Kapuuo (July 1970 to 27 March 1978) Kuaima Riruako (7 June 1978 to 5 December 1980) Thimoteus Tjamuaha (5 December 1980 to September 1984) Erastus Tjejamba (August 1987 to October 1987 and October 1987 to February 1988) Gottlob Mbaukua (September 1984 to August 1987 and February 1988 to May 1989) McHenry Venaani (9 September 2013 - present) Leader of the official opposition in parliament , member of the Namibian Parliament (Nam), and He is a member of the Pan-African Parliament (AU). Herero and Mbanderu Traditional Authorities - Ovaherero Traditional Authority Zeraeua Royal Traditional Authority Hoveka Royal Traditional Authority Kambazembi Royal Traditional Authority Maharero Royal Traditional Authority Mureti Royal Traditional Authority Ovambanderu Traditional Authority Kapika Traditional Authority Kakurukouje Traditional Authority Otjikaoko Royal House Traditional Authority Vita Royal House Traditional Authority Ovambanderu Traditional Council Ombandi Royal House Bantustans in South West Africa References Apartheid in South West Africa Bantustans in South West Africa