President urges traditional leaders to act on GBV

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on traditional authorities to take a stronger stand against gender-based violence in their communities.Speaking at the 2025 Omaongo Annual Festival in Omhedi, Ohangwena Region, on Saturday, the president condemned a spate of recent violent incidents, including the killing of schoolgirls in Okahandja and other areas, describing them as tragic signs of a deepening crisis.“The recent barbaric killing of our innocent children in Okahandja – such acts of violence are destructive to everything we stand for as a nation. They must be fought by all of us,” she said.The head of state urged traditional leaders to hold community meetings to help address the scourge of GBV.“The Constitution recognises our traditional authorities and formed the Council of Traditional Leaders. At the beginning I mentioned that a nation without culture is not a nation. Maybe some of the problems we are facing in Namibia are because we are eluding our culture,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.Fight with usNandi-Ndaitwah said that as Namibians celebrate their heritage and unity, they must also confront the challenges that threaten the fabric of society.“This is where, as a government, we are calling on our traditional authorities to work with us in fighting domestic violence and violence against women and children," she said. "Such acts of violence are destructive to everything we stand for as a nation, and they must be fought by all of us,” she stressed. "I am imploring all communities to work with the Namibian Police to root out criminality from our society. The fight against crime is a collective responsibility, and we must all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of every Namibian, especially our children,” she added. Support given Vice-chairperson of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, John Walenga, pledged the support of traditional leaders, saying they stand ready to work with the government – through good and bad times. "I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge on behalf of all traditional authorities in Namibia that we can assure you that as traditional leaders we are there to serve you as per the Constitution,” Walenga said. “We are the custodians of culture, and we must ensure that its evolution is not left behind.”Walenga said the Omaongo festival is an important cultural platform that not only celebrates women – the sole preparers of the traditional marula drink – but also helps instil values in the younger generation.“This event allows us to guide the youth toward becoming the kind of people we want to see in the future,” he added.

President urges traditional leaders to act on GBV

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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President urges traditional leaders to act on GBV

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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