SHORT NEWS: Jealous drives witchcraft accusation

Alzheimer Dementia Namibia (ADN) CEO and activist Berrie Holtzhausen said witchcraft accusations are often rooted in jealousy and hatred, drawing parallels with apartheid as a system of oppression and exclusion. Holtzhausen has dedicated more than a decade of his life to challenging harmful practices that see people – particularly those living with dementia – falsely branded as witches. He emphasized that such practices continue to rob vulnerable individuals of their dignity and rights. He urged government not to turn a blind eye when traditional courts and authorities impose beliefs that override the Constitution. The activist has also spent much of his time in Kavango West, Kavango East and the Zambezi regions.