Omaheke's ghost citizens exist, but not on paper

For decades and generations, many residents of Du Plessis Plaas have been locked out of jobs and services by a piece of paper most Namibians take for granted: a national identity document.

The concerns come weeks before the government begins rolling out Namibia's new electronic identity (e-ID) cards in September.

For 29-year-old Gideon Isaaks, the problem stretches back generations.

"I have never had an identity document. The only document I have is a voter's card that I received before the 2019 elections, but it is not enough when I apply for work or need to prove who I am," he told Namibian Sun this week.

"My parents also lived without official documents, and now they have both passed away," he added.

"We never had the proper paperwork that could help prove our identity. It feels like our family has been invisible for generations."

Isaaks said obtaining an ID would allow people like him to find work, access services and finally be recognised.

Joseph Ganxrab (34) said living in the remote settlement already limits opportunities, with temporary road maintenance work often the only available employment.

"Even then, I cannot get those opportunities because employers ask for an identity document that I do not have," he said.

"It is painful to watch other people go to work while I stay behind. All I want is an ID and the chance to earn an honest living."

Anna Ledipane (38), who is raising three children, said she feels trapped without an identity document.

"Whenever I hear about work, I know the first thing they will ask for is an ID. Without it, I cannot even try," she said.

"I just want the government to help people like us so that we can get our documents, find work and provide for our families."

Nikodemus Katjihoro (51) said he has never possessed a national identity document and has relied on a photo card obtained about five years ago as his only form of identification.

He said he registered for an identity document during the 2019 presidential elections but has yet to receive it, making it difficult to secure temporary work in construction and farming.

Katjihoro added that many other residents in and around Du Plessis Plaas are facing the same challenge.

Forgotten by the system

Responding to questions from Namibian Sun this week, home affairs ministry control administrative officer Festus Abiatar said the introduction of electronic identity cards will not change the legal requirements for obtaining identification.

He said the ministry has expanded its offices across the country, introduced hospital and sub-regional registration points and conducted mobile registration programmes targeting communities, schoolchildren, marginalised groups and people affected by natural disasters.

"These efforts will continue even after the implementation of e-ID to make sure that all eligible people have a reasonable opportunity to register for national documents," he said.

Abiatar stressed that the e-ID rollout is a technological upgrade and does not change the procedures for determining citizenship or issuing identity documents.

He encouraged anyone aged 16 or older who does not have an identity document to visit the nearest ministry office so officials can assess their circumstances and advise them on the appropriate process.

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