40% of children in Kavango East married, minister says

Home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu has revealed that child marriage affects an estimated 40% of minors in Kavango East, a practice she vowed government is determined to stamp out.

She described the figure as a “heavy burden” and said it is rooted in poverty and entrenched cultural practices.

Iipumbu condemned the practice and emphasised that government is taking a zero-tolerance approach.

Calling for decisive action to protect vulnerable children, she added: “We will not register a single child marriage."

Speaking during a Kavango East regional staff address in Rundu on Friday, the minister said government will intensify community outreach and educational campaigns to shift harmful norms and empower young people, particularly girls, to remain in school and pursue opportunities beyond early marriage.

“Through outreach and education we will replace outdated customs with respect for human rights,” she said.

Stay vigilant

Iipumbu also addressed broader social and security issues in the region.

Between January 2024 and July 2025, 3 024 criminal cases were recorded, marking a 10% decrease from previous years. Nevertheless, she emphasised that crime levels remain high, with theft leading at 1 367 cases, followed by housebreaking (719), fraud (378), robbery (276), and gender-based violence (282).

Stock theft, particularly with cross-border links to Angola, continues to threaten farming communities.

Iipumbu called for strengthened coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors and the judiciary to ensure swift and effective justice.

“Farmers are demanding justice, and together, with firm resolve and united action, we will deliver it in full measure,” she said.

On wildlife conservation, she praised the region’s anti-poaching units for recent successes. “Every perpetrator caught is a victory that deters many more,” she said, highlighting the dual benefits of protecting biodiversity and supporting tourism.

Although human trafficking cases are low, with only two formal reports over an 18-month period, Iipumbu urged vigilance given the region’s position as a key transit corridor.

Population growth in Kavango East is another pressing challenge.

The region’s population has increased by 59.6% since 2011, reaching over 218 000 people, according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

Iipumbu said this rapid growth underscores the need to reassess administrative structures and improve service delivery.

Restore dignity

The minister also addressed the issue of undocumented individuals and statelessness, particularly among Angolan nationals. “The Angolan children’s issue and statelessness are real, but so is our determination,” she said, reiterating government’s commitment to restoring identity and dignity to every resident.

Iipumbu further called on staff to uphold professionalism and accountability. She warned against imposing arbitrary requirements on the public and urged officials to serve with integrity, stressing that good service delivery is the foundation of public trust.

The minister emphasised the critical role officials play in shaping the future of Kavango East.

“You are not civil servants, you are nation-builders, dream-fulfillers and hope-givers. Together, we will rise. Together, we will conquer. Together, we will build the Namibia our