Allexer Namundjembo
Residents of the Omusati region are expressing growing frustration over delays in receiving national identity documents, saying prolonged processing times have left many without access to essential services and employment opportunities despite participating in government registration initiatives.
During a visit to the region, the Windhoek Observer spoke to several community members who said the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security’s registration exercises have yielded little progress for them, with some waiting for years without receiving feedback on their applications.
Maria Kaalushu, a resident of Iipanda village, said she has lived without identity documents for the past 30 years. She explained that she has repeatedly taken part in registration campaigns conducted by the ministry at regional council offices but has yet to receive any positive response regarding her application.
Kaalushu said she was born and raised in Iipanda but never obtained identity documents because her parents also lacked official documentation.
She added that both of her parents have since died, leaving her without any records to support her application. Despite her own challenges, she said her children were eventually issued with identity documents.
Another resident, Silas Hausiku of Oipanda, said ministry officials informed him that they would visit his place of birth to verify his identity through local community members.
However, he was later told that no one in the area recognised him. Hausiku questioned whether the investigation had actually been carried out and said he has since lost hope of ever obtaining an identity document.
Hausiku further claimed that while some foreigners are reportedly receiving identity documents, many Namibians remain unable to secure the same opportunity.
He said the lack of an identity document has prevented him from opening a bank account, finding formal employment, and participating fully in the country’s economy.
According to Hausiku, he was even forced to use another person’s bank account because he could not open one in his own name.
Efforts by the Windhoek Observer to obtain comment from the ministry of home affairs were unsuccessful, as questions sent to the ministry had not been answered by the time of publication.
The newspaper sought clarification on whether another mass registration operation would be launched to assist undocumented residents.
The ministry conducted a nationwide Mass Registration Outreach Programme between 5 February and 30 July 2024, targeting undocumented residents across all 121 constituencies.
The initiative assisted 110 620 people, with more than 50 000 qualifying Namibians receiving birth certificates and identity documents.
However, 14 976 applications did not immediately meet the legal requirements for citizenship and were placed in a Functional Register for future regularisation.
In an effort to strengthen the country’s civil registration system, Parliament passed the Civil Registration and Identification Act, 2024 (Act No. 13 of 2024), which was gazetted on 30 December 2024.
The ministry has also maintained that individuals who were unable to participate in the nationwide outreach programme can continue seeking assistance through its regional offices.
