Patience Makwele
The deaths of two members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) at military bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi have renewed calls for stronger mental health support, better housing and improved welfare programmes for soldiers.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) on Monday urged the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to strengthen support systems for military personnel.
The party said the well-being of soldiers deserves the same attention as military readiness and infrastructure.
IPC shadow minister of defence and veterans’ affairs Alosius Kangulu extended condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased while calling for a greater focus on soldier welfare.
He stressed that investigations into the two deaths should be allowed to continue.
“These heartbreaking incidents serve as a painful reminder that beyond the uniform are human beings who face immense emotional, psychological and social challenges,” Kangulu said.
According to Kangulu, military personnel often spend long periods away from their families and support networks while serving in different parts of the country.
He said such circumstances can place pressure on their emotional wellbeing and contribute to loneliness, anxiety, depression and emotional distress.
Kangulu also raised concerns about housing conditions for some members of the defence force.
He said housing insecurity and financial pressures can add to the challenges faced by soldiers and their families.
“Access to adequate housing remains a challenge for many officers and enlisted personnel. Some continue to live in overcrowded facilities or temporary accommodation while struggling to provide stable homes for their families,” he said.
IPC wants the government to introduce comprehensive mental health and wellness programmes across military bases, increase access to counselling and psychological services and establish peer support systems within military units.
The party is also calling for more mental health awareness campaigns, stronger family support programmes, improved housing conditions and early intervention systems to identify soldiers facing emotional or psychological challenges.
Kangulu said seeking help should not be viewed as weakness.
“As we mourn the loss of these two young Namibians, we must also commit ourselves to ensuring that no soldier feels alone, unheard or forgotten,” he said.
Former military veteran Bernard Hauwanga said mental health support is important, but it would be unfair to suggest that the NDF has ignored the issue.
“The Defence Force has for many years provided mental health awareness programmes, counselling sessions and wellness support to its members. The challenge is often not the absence of support but the reluctance of many men to speak openly about their struggles,” he said.
Hauwanga said soldiers are often viewed as resilient people, but they face the same emotional and psychological challenges as anyone else.
“People see soldiers as strong individuals who can handle anything, but they are human beings first. Long deployments, separation from family and the pressures of military life can take a toll on anyone,” Hauwanga said.
He said efforts should focus on reducing stigma and encouraging soldiers to seek support when needed.
“We need to create an environment where soldiers feel comfortable seeking help without fear of being judged. Many support systems already exist, but they can only work if people are willing to use them,” he added.
Hauwanga noted that the NDF has long provided wellness programmes, chaplaincy services and counselling initiatives aimed at supporting members.
Clinical psychologist Eunice Linyunga Situmbeko said military organisations around the world increasingly recognise that mental health support is an important part of operational readiness.
“Occupations such as the military expose individuals to unique pressures, including prolonged separation from family, demanding work environments and the expectation to remain emotionally strong at all times. These factors can make it difficult for individuals to acknowledge when they need support,” she said.
Situmbeko said counselling services, peer-support networks, chaplaincy programmes and mental health awareness campaigns help personnel manage stress before it develops into more serious problems.
“Seeking help should never be viewed as a weakness. Early intervention often prevents problems from escalating and can significantly improve both personal wellbeing and professional performance,” she said.
Situmbeko said military personnel often work in structured environments where emotional difficulties may go unnoticed.
“Military personnel often operate in highly structured environments where emotional difficulties may go unnoticed or unreported. Access to confidential counselling services, peer support programmes and regular mental health screening can play a crucial role in identifying challenges before they escalate into crises,” she said.
She added that mental health should form part of a broader wellness strategy that includes family support, stress management and better living conditions.
“Seeking psychological support should be viewed in the same way as seeking treatment for a physical injury. Early intervention saves lives and improves overall wellbeing,” Situmbeko said.
Questions sent to Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spokesperson Colonel Petrus Shilumbu were not answered by the time of publication.
Investigations into the two deaths are continuing.
