Delay E-ID rollout until backlog is cleared, activists say

Thousands of undocumented Namibians have called on government to suspend the rollout of electronic national identity (E-ID) cards until it clears a years-long backlog of citizenship and identity document applications.

At the centre of the petition is the argument that while technological advancement is necessary, government must first resolve the plight of thousands of Namibians who remain without birth certificates or national identity documents, leaving them unable to access basic rights and essential services.

"Technology must never replace justice," the petition states.

The demand was made on Monday when a group of undocumented and affected Namibians, led by activist Nghipudilo ya Shiindi, marched to the home affairs ministry in Windhoek to hand over a petition. The group has given the ministry until 18 July to respond to its demands, warning that it will stage a sit-in if no action is taken.

The group argues that the documentation crisis has evolved beyond an administrative backlog into a constitutional issue, with many affected Namibians unable to secure employment, pursue tertiary education, open bank accounts, register businesses or access social grants despite having lived in the country all their lives.

Among its key demands is the immediate finalisation of all outstanding applications submitted during the ministry's 2024 nationwide registration campaign for undocumented and stateless persons.

According to figures cited in the petition, 141 048 people registered after government assured them that their citizenship claims would be investigated and resolved. Nearly two years later, many applicants are still awaiting outcomes, with some repeatedly visiting Home Affairs offices without receiving meaningful updates.

The petition also calls for national identity documents to be issued to everyone who qualifies under Article 4 of the Namibian Constitution, for unsuccessful applicants to receive written reasons for rejection, and for administrative errors made during the 2024 registration exercise to be corrected without requiring applicants to restart the process.

Recognise us

It further urges government to permanently resolve the documentation status of Namibians repatriated from Botswana and resettled at Gam in the Otjozondjupa region. The petition argues that although government recognised their Namibian heritage by facilitating their return, many remain undocumented and excluded from full participation in national life.

"Their repatriation cannot remain incomplete. If they do not qualify for Namibian citizenship, then why did you bring them back as repatriated Namibians?" the petition asks.

The petition further describes a national identity document as "the legal recognition of a person's existence by the State", arguing that without it, citizens cannot fully enjoy the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

It also questions why some affected individuals reportedly possess valid voter cards and have participated in elections while still being denied national identity documents because their citizenship remains under investigation.

"If we are Namibian enough to vote, then surely we are Namibian enough to receive national identity documents," the petition states.