Soba (Angola)
A soba is originally a person belonging to the traditional political hierarchy. In Angola, the traditional hierarchies have persisted particularly in rural areas. They developed mainly from the social organization of the Bantu and correspond to the principle of the " elder ". They are originally organized according to ethnic groups . In Angola they were instrumentalized by the state both during the Portuguese colonial era and since independence in 1975 and were assigned to administrative functions and e.g. T. Reduced auxiliary tasks in case law.
On official occasions, Sobas wear a uniform light brown uniform or at least a light brown peaked cap, as a sign of the state's recognition of the traditional authorities.
tasks
The soba does not play a role either in the official legal system or in the official administrative structure of the Republic of Angola. However, his position is firmly anchored in the population. He acts as an arbitrator and is thus an essential pillar in the country's legal system, even before the first stage of actual state jurisdiction. In addition, he is a key point of contact for authorities and politics for the implementation of state decisions by the population, and for the submission of demands from the population towards government agencies. For example, the traditional authorities were recently involved in the preparations for the 2014 census. The Sobas also receive irregular and unlawful public funds for the implementation of local projects. If necessary, the population seeks advice from the soba on all questions of daily life. This can also be medical or economic advice.
hierarchy
In addition to the official administrative structure of Angola , traditional administrative structures still exist in Angola. For example, the province of Cuanza Norte is divided into 96 traditional authorities represented by the sobas.
The soba grande is a regional authority in the traditional administrative hierarchy , to which the sobas as local authority are subject. Below the sobas are the Séculos or Mirinhos , who may represent the traditional authority in individual villages.
Above the soba grande there is also the regedor and above it the traditional "king" ( Rei ). In everyday life, however, it is especially the sobas who enjoy the greatest authority among the population and the greatest attention from the state authorities.
Traditionally, a soba, whose father, optionally also an uncle or other close relatives, was a soba. Today the election (or a similar appointment) by the local population, which used to be rare, is much more common than in earlier times. Sobas can be men or (less often) women.
Web links
- Profile of the Soba in Angola , in a blog about Angola
Individual evidence
- ↑ Sample images : a soba gathering and a soba in front of children in his village on Flickr
- ↑ Article of May 5, 2014 on the census in Bengo Province , state news agency ANGOP , accessed on May 18, 2014
- ↑ a b Article from April 25, 2014 from the province of Cuanza Norte , state news agency ANGOP, accessed on May 18, 2014
- ↑ Interview with the Soba grande from Huíla from April 2007 (port.), Accessed on May 18, 2014