Patience Makwele
Government and church leaders have warned that growing hopelessness, mental health pressures, substance abuse and unemployment are placing many young Namibians at risk.
Speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the National Prayer Breakfast in Windhoek last week, vice president Lucia Witbooi said Namibia continues to face serious social challenges despite decades of peace and stability.
“These challenges include gender-based violence, violence against children, substance abuse, rising road fatalities, youth unemployment, family breakdown, mental health pressures, corruption and increasing levels of hopelessness among some of our young people,” Witbooi said.
The concerns come amid rising public debate around youth unemployment, depression, addiction and social instability affecting communities across the country.
Witbooi said the government alone cannot solve the country’s growing social problems and called for stronger cooperation between churches, traditional leaders, communities and civil society.
“Sustainable nation-building requires a shared national effort involving government, faith-based organisations, traditional leadership, civil society, the private sector and ordinary citizens working together toward a common purpose,” she said.
She urged churches to play a stronger role in supporting struggling families and guiding young people facing emotional and economic hardship.
“I urge the church to take its rightful role as a beacon of hope in communities across our nation. Let the church provide spiritual guidance, counselling, humanitarian support, reconciliation and moral leadership during times of uncertainty and hardship,” Witbooi stated.
Witbooi said Namibia’s future depends on unity, moral leadership and social responsibility.
The National Prayer Breakfast formed part of a Namibia tour by motivational speaker and evangelist Nick Vujicic.
The visit attracted thousands of Namibians through faith-based events focused on resilience, hope and purpose.
During a media engagement, Vujicic said many young people globally are battling depression, anxiety, addiction and isolation.
“We are able to go into communities and speak hope and life into young people facing depression, anxiety, addictions and isolation,” Vujicic said.
“Many people are still searching for answers about identity, purpose and belonging.”
He said technology and social pressure are contributing to emotional struggles among young people.
“Young people need to understand that their value and purpose are not determined by their circumstances,” he said.
Vujicic said Africa, including Namibia, carries resilience and faith that can inspire hope beyond the continent.
Alliance of Christian Churches in Namibia representative Danny Banda said the country needs stronger moral leadership and national renewal.
“We are gathered in the presence of God because communities are searching for hope, leadership and direction. No limitation is greater than purpose and no obstacle is stronger than faith,” he said.
Banda said many young people are carrying emotional burdens in silence and need stronger support systems.
“The next generation needs more than speeches,” Banda said.
“They need guidance, purpose, support and leaders who are willing to stand with them during difficult times.”
NBC executive Glynis Beukes-Kapa said the strong public response to the campaign showed that many Namibians are searching for encouragement and healing.
“We came on board to help carry a message of hope and transformation across Namibia because people are searching for encouragement during difficult times. Hope is something communities are hungry for,” Beukes-Kapa said.
The tour ended with the “Champions Arise” gathering at Hage Geingob Stadium, where more than 5 000 people attended prayers, worship sessions and motivational talks focused on perseverance and overcoming challenges.
