Proposal for ministry of happiness gains traction
... as suicide figures soar
Councillor Paulus Mbangu says the social welfare component of the health ministry is often overlooked, as the ministry struggles to treat and prevent physical illnesses amid limited resources.
Support is mounting for Rundu Rural constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu’s call for Namibia to establish a ministry of happiness – a bold and unconventional proposal aimed at tackling the country’s deepening mental health crisis and growing emotional distress among citizens.
In an interview with Namibian Sun this week, Mbangu argued that while the Ministry of Health and Social Services is officially tasked to promote wellness, it remains overstretched and largely focused on treating disease rather than preventing it.
“We haven’t even reached the stage of serious preventive care. We’re just managing illnesses,” he said. “On paper, it’s the ministry of health, but in reality, it’s more like a ministry of disease management.”
Mbangu believes that a dedicated ministry of happiness would allow government to measure and enhance national well-being through tools such as a happiness index. It would also play a central role in policy-making to improve quality of life, not only through health interventions but also in areas like income security, employment, education and food access.
“The GDP might say we’re doing okay, but that’s misleading,” he said. “Most of the wealth is concentrated in a few hands, while the majority continue to suffer.”
“A ministry of happiness could help us build a clearer picture of the realities people face. Are they happy? Are they fulfilled? That should matter too.”
Mbangu also floated the idea that such a ministry could push for a universal basic income grant to ensure every adult citizen has a minimum level of financial security, potentially alleviating pressure caused by unemployment and hunger.
A nation in pain
Mbangu’s proposal comes amid concerning mental health statistics, with Namibia continuing to record some of the highest suicide rates in the region – affecting both the employed and unemployed alike. Although unorthodox, his idea is gaining traction among experts and community members.
Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, a public health specialist said a well-structured ministry of happiness could send a strong message about the state's commitment to the emotional and mental well-being of its people.
“If Namibia were to introduce a ministry of happiness, it could signal that well-being is a national priority,” the expert said. “But its impact would depend on its mandate. If it’s just another bureaucratic office with slogans and no action, then it risks becoming a waste of resources.”
The specialist cited examples from countries like Bhutan and the United Arab Emirates, which have pioneered similar ministries focused on citizen satisfaction and national well-being. However, they cautioned that such efforts must be accompanied by community-level support, such as trained counsellors and mental health workers.
A local social worker, who requested anonymity, said the proposed ministry could also ease the burden on overwhelmed frontline workers and create employment in the mental health sector.
“Right now, we’re expected to handle everything: gender-based violence, addiction, trauma, suicide, all at once,” she said.
“A dedicated ministry could allow specialisation in areas like workplace mental health or suicide prevention. That would make a real difference.”
Heal your citizens
Selma Kashikola, a 42-year-old security guard from Rundu, echoed that sentiment.
“I’ve been following the news and social media, and honestly, I think it’s something the country needs,” she said. “If people who earn ten times more than me are dying by suicide, then what about us? We’re suffering too – just quietly. A ministry like that won’t fix everything, but it shows someone actually cares.”
Despite the idea’s idealistic undertone, Mbangu remains adamant that the conversation must start somewhere.
“We can’t keep pretending everything is fine when people are dying inside,” he said. “It’s time we start taking happiness seriously.”
Namibia ranked 103rd in the 2025 World Happiness Report. The report, based on data from 2022 to 2024, indicated an average happiness score of 4.9 for Namibia, placing the country in the lower-middle range of countries in terms of perceived happiness.
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In an interview with Namibian Sun this week, Mbangu argued that while the Ministry of Health and Social Services is officially tasked to promote wellness, it remains overstretched and largely focused on treating disease rather than preventing it.
“We haven’t even reached the stage of serious preventive care. We’re just managing illnesses,” he said. “On paper, it’s the ministry of health, but in reality, it’s more like a ministry of disease management.”
Mbangu believes that a dedicated ministry of happiness would allow government to measure and enhance national well-being through tools such as a happiness index. It would also play a central role in policy-making to improve quality of life, not only through health interventions but also in areas like income security, employment, education and food access.
“The GDP might say we’re doing okay, but that’s misleading,” he said. “Most of the wealth is concentrated in a few hands, while the majority continue to suffer.”
“A ministry of happiness could help us build a clearer picture of the realities people face. Are they happy? Are they fulfilled? That should matter too.”
Mbangu also floated the idea that such a ministry could push for a universal basic income grant to ensure every adult citizen has a minimum level of financial security, potentially alleviating pressure caused by unemployment and hunger.
A nation in pain
Mbangu’s proposal comes amid concerning mental health statistics, with Namibia continuing to record some of the highest suicide rates in the region – affecting both the employed and unemployed alike. Although unorthodox, his idea is gaining traction among experts and community members.
Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, a public health specialist said a well-structured ministry of happiness could send a strong message about the state's commitment to the emotional and mental well-being of its people.
“If Namibia were to introduce a ministry of happiness, it could signal that well-being is a national priority,” the expert said. “But its impact would depend on its mandate. If it’s just another bureaucratic office with slogans and no action, then it risks becoming a waste of resources.”
The specialist cited examples from countries like Bhutan and the United Arab Emirates, which have pioneered similar ministries focused on citizen satisfaction and national well-being. However, they cautioned that such efforts must be accompanied by community-level support, such as trained counsellors and mental health workers.
A local social worker, who requested anonymity, said the proposed ministry could also ease the burden on overwhelmed frontline workers and create employment in the mental health sector.
“Right now, we’re expected to handle everything: gender-based violence, addiction, trauma, suicide, all at once,” she said.
“A dedicated ministry could allow specialisation in areas like workplace mental health or suicide prevention. That would make a real difference.”
Heal your citizens
Selma Kashikola, a 42-year-old security guard from Rundu, echoed that sentiment.
“I’ve been following the news and social media, and honestly, I think it’s something the country needs,” she said. “If people who earn ten times more than me are dying by suicide, then what about us? We’re suffering too – just quietly. A ministry like that won’t fix everything, but it shows someone actually cares.”
Despite the idea’s idealistic undertone, Mbangu remains adamant that the conversation must start somewhere.
“We can’t keep pretending everything is fine when people are dying inside,” he said. “It’s time we start taking happiness seriously.”
Namibia ranked 103rd in the 2025 World Happiness Report. The report, based on data from 2022 to 2024, indicated an average happiness score of 4.9 for Namibia, placing the country in the lower-middle range of countries in terms of perceived happiness.
[email protected]
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