Allexer Namundjembo
Former Prime Minister Nahas Angula says the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security is capable of dealing with illegal immigrants, rejecting calls for anti-immigrant protests similar to those taking place in South Africa.
Angula was responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Monday after National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) member of Parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu called for protests against illegal immigrants and foreign nationals working in Namibia.
“Namibia is a law-governed country. The ministry responsible for immigration is capable of dealing with those who violate immigration laws. Mobs belong to societies which have no laws,” Angula said.
Kandorozu confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that he authored a social media post calling for nationwide protests against illegal immigrants and foreign workers.
In the post, he claimed that foreign nationals had taken jobs in sectors such as diamond polishing, mining, and long-distance transportation.
“We need to stage a protest in Namibia against the illegal immigrants and foreigners working in Namibia. We have lots of Indians who took our jobs in diamond polishing companies, we have lots of Chinese workers who took our jobs in our mining companies, and we have lots of African foreigners who took our jobs in the long-distance transportation industry and many other industries and sectors,” he wrote.
Kandorozu further argued that Namibia should prioritise employment opportunities for its citizens and criticised immigration officials for issuing work permits and visas at the expense of Namibians.
“We need to protest against immigration officials giving work permits and visas left, right, and centre at the expense of Namibians. We need to stand up. The Germans with our land and all absentee landlords must be pushed out,” he wrote.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described Kandorozu’s remarks as irresponsible, saying concerns over illegal immigration should be addressed through lawful processes rather than public protests.
“While concerns about illegal immigration can be legitimate and should be addressed through the law, calling for a strike modelled on what is happening in South Africa is ill-advised,” Kamwanyah said.
He said Namibia’s history and independence were shaped by the support of many African countries and the broader international community, warning against actions that could fuel hostility toward foreign nationals.
“If there are challenges related to illegal immigration, they should be handled through lawful and orderly processes, not public calls that risk creating division,” he said.
The debate comes as thousands of people have marched in major South African cities demanding the removal of undocumented migrants.
Authorities deployed police officers, supported by private security personnel, amid fears that the demonstrations could turn violent.
While most protests remained peaceful, police reported isolated incidents of looting, intimidation, and assaults, with several arrests made.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly urged demonstrators to remain peaceful while acknowledging calls for immigration reforms.
