Patience Makwele
A 16-year-old boy from the Omusati region is being praised across Namibia after risking his life to save nine-month-old twins who had allegedly been thrown into a pond at Omutundungu village.
Cornelius Shimwaafeni, a learner at Nicodemus Primary School, has drawn national attention after rescuing the infants during what started as an ordinary day herding livestock.
According to reports, Shimwaafeni allegedly witnessed the twins being thrown into the water by their biological mother before rushing into the pond to save them.
In an interview with NBC, Shimwaafeni said he immediately jumped into the water without hesitation. He managed to pull both babies out, performed CPR and called nearby community members for help.
The twins were later taken to hospital and have since been discharged into the care of their father.
News of the rescue quickly spread across social media, with many Namibians describing the teenager as a hero. Community members have since donated money, clothes, food and other essentials to support Shimwaafeni and his family.
Prime minister Elijah Ngurare also praised the teenager during a graduation ceremony at Triumphant College in Windhoek on Wednesday.
“He didn’t need a degree to be a hero, he didn’t need to speak good English to give the gesture of humanity,” Ngurare said.
Young people who spoke to the Young Observer said Shimwaafeni’s actions reminded them that courage can come from ordinary people.
“Most people would have panicked or waited for adults, but he acted immediately,” said a local identified only as Andrew. “What he did is something many adults would even struggle to do. It shows that young people can make a difference in serious situations.”
Another youth, Petrus Shaanika, said the story stood out because it showed a different side of Namibia’s youth.
“We always hear stories about youth doing bad things, but this reminds us there are also young people doing incredible things for their communities,” he said. “He deserves all the support and recognition he is getting.”
Teacher and youth development commentator Olivia Ndinelago said the incident also highlighted the importance of teaching young people emergency response skills.
“Cornelius did not just save lives, he showed presence of mind under pressure,” she said. “This should encourage schools and communities to invest more in first aid awareness and youth leadership programmes because young people are often first on the scene during emergencies in rural areas.”
Community members say this was not the first time Shimwaafeni rescued children from danger. Last year, he reportedly saved two boys who had fallen into a well while herding livestock.
Residents described him as humble and quiet despite the growing attention around his actions.
Shimwaafeni said he simply reacted because he could not stand by and watch the babies drown. He added that he is looking forward to returning to school and sharing the experience with classmates once schools reopen.
Calls have also grown on social media for the teenager to receive a national bravery award, while others urged government and private institutions to assist with his education and future opportunities.
Support for the teenager continued to grow after Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Services announced plans to formally honour him for his bravery.
The organisation said Shimwaafeni would receive a Bravery and Heroism Certificate, an award normally presented to trained lifeguards and rescuers who show courage while saving lives.
Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Services also offered the teenager free beginner swimming lessons and an opportunity to join its junior lifeguard training programme.
According to the organisation, the training will equip him with water rescue techniques, swimming skills and first aid training to help him continue assisting people during emergencies.
