Nandi-Ndaitwah urges Namibians to prioritise road safety
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibians to exercise restraint on the roads during the festive season, calling on motorists to prioritise safety as families travel to celebrate Christmas and prepare for the new year.
In her season’s greetings message posted on the Namibian Presidency’s Facebook page, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged road users to adhere to traffic regulations and to take care during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods on the country’s roads.
“As we celebrate, let us continue to adhere to road safety measures and take time to enjoy meaningful moments with our families, relatives and friends,” she said.
Namibia recorded a high number of serious road accidents in 2025.
Between January and early November, the country recorded 2 793 crashes, resulting in 431 fatalities and 4 565 injuries, according to data from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and the Namibian Police.
Hope amidst struggles
While the president’s address centred on safety and reflection, official opposition leader, Dr Panduleni Itula, used his Christmas and New Year message to deliver a broader critique of the country’s social and economic condition, urging Namibians to distinguish between gratitude and accountability.
In his message, Itula said Namibians remain a resilient people bound by faith, culture and a shared belief in the promise of the Republic, even amid hardship.
He noted that communities across the country continue to support one another, share limited resources and raise their children with hope despite growing challenges.
However, Itula warned that expressions of gratitude should not be used to silence criticism or excuse poor governance.
He argued that many Namibians are struggling not because the country lacks resources, but because of sustained policy failures, misplaced priorities and a growing disconnect between government and the lived realities of ordinary citizens.
“Too many families are unable to share even a single meal a day," he noted.
"Too many children go to bed hungry in a nation of immense wealth."
Act in the new year
Drawing on Christian teachings, Itula said faith must be accompanied by action, cautioning that belief without consequence risks becoming hollow.
“Faith without action risks becoming empty symbolism,” he said.
He further pointed to corruption and maladministration as the most serious threats facing the country, arguing that the abuse of public trust continues to undermine opportunities, dignity and the future of citizens.
Looking ahead to 2026, Itula said young people face uncertain academic prospects, patients continue to encounter medicine shortages and working Namibians remain burdened by the effects of government failure.
In her season’s greetings message posted on the Namibian Presidency’s Facebook page, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged road users to adhere to traffic regulations and to take care during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods on the country’s roads.
“As we celebrate, let us continue to adhere to road safety measures and take time to enjoy meaningful moments with our families, relatives and friends,” she said.
Namibia recorded a high number of serious road accidents in 2025.
Between January and early November, the country recorded 2 793 crashes, resulting in 431 fatalities and 4 565 injuries, according to data from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and the Namibian Police.
Hope amidst struggles
While the president’s address centred on safety and reflection, official opposition leader, Dr Panduleni Itula, used his Christmas and New Year message to deliver a broader critique of the country’s social and economic condition, urging Namibians to distinguish between gratitude and accountability.
In his message, Itula said Namibians remain a resilient people bound by faith, culture and a shared belief in the promise of the Republic, even amid hardship.
He noted that communities across the country continue to support one another, share limited resources and raise their children with hope despite growing challenges.
However, Itula warned that expressions of gratitude should not be used to silence criticism or excuse poor governance.
He argued that many Namibians are struggling not because the country lacks resources, but because of sustained policy failures, misplaced priorities and a growing disconnect between government and the lived realities of ordinary citizens.
“Too many families are unable to share even a single meal a day," he noted.
"Too many children go to bed hungry in a nation of immense wealth."
Act in the new year
Drawing on Christian teachings, Itula said faith must be accompanied by action, cautioning that belief without consequence risks becoming hollow.
“Faith without action risks becoming empty symbolism,” he said.
He further pointed to corruption and maladministration as the most serious threats facing the country, arguing that the abuse of public trust continues to undermine opportunities, dignity and the future of citizens.
Looking ahead to 2026, Itula said young people face uncertain academic prospects, patients continue to encounter medicine shortages and working Namibians remain burdened by the effects of government failure.
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