Patience Makwele
Young Namibians have rallied behind President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to confer national hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimwaafeni.
They say his rescue of two babies should be celebrated as an example of courage rather than becoming consumed by controversy over tribalism and recognition.
Shimwaafeni who is from Omutundungu village in the Omusati region, was conferred with hero status by Nandi-Ndaitwah during the 60th Heroes’ Day commemoration at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The teenager was recognised after risking his life to rescue nine-month-old twins who had been thrown into a water pond on 17 May 2026.
His recognition has, however, sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning whether other Namibians who have performed acts of bravery were overlooked and others raising concerns about possible tribal considerations in the decision.
Several young people voiced their opinions on his confinement to the Young Observer on Thursday. University of Namibia (UNAM) student Esmeralda Beata Gowaseb said the focus should remain on the teenager’s actions.
“Yes. Absolutely. The fact that he is 16 makes it even more significant. He saw two babies in danger and acted when he could have walked away,” she said.
Gowaseb said Shimwaafeni was not seeking publicity or recognition when he intervened.
“If heroism is about courage and sacrifice, then his actions fit that definition,” she said.
She acknowledged concerns about people who may have performed extraordinary acts without receiving national recognition, but said this should prompt the government to broaden recognition rather than diminish Shimwaafeni’s achievement.
“If there are other people who have done extraordinary things and were overlooked, then I think the government should find a way of recognising them too. One person’s recognition should not become another person’s rejection,” she said.
On allegations of tribalism, Gowaseb urged critics to provide evidence while acknowledging the need for clearer criteria around national honours.
“We cannot turn every positive thing involving someone from a particular community into a tribal conspiracy,” she said.
However, she added that the government should recognise public sensitivities around representation and ensure that the criteria for national honours are transparent.
Another UNAM student, Ismael Shikonjeleni, said supporting Shimwaafeni’s recognition does not mean citizens should stop questioning how national honours are awarded.
“I can support Cornelius and still question the system. Those two things are not contradictory,” he said.
Shikonjeleni said the teenager deserved recognition for saving the babies, but argued that the government should explain how such decisions are made.
“What are the criteria for national hero status? Who nominates people? Who investigates the nomination? How many people have been recognised under the same provision?” he asked.
He said criticism of the honours system should not be directed at Shimwaafeni, who had no control over the decision to recognise him.
“If there’s a problem with the system, take it up with the system and not the teenager,” he said.
Shikonjeleni said he was particularly concerned that the debate had shifted from the teenager’s act of bravery to ethnic politics.
“We can ask serious questions about fairness without dragging Cornelius into political fights that have nothing to do with him,” he said.
Young entrepreneur and construction engineer Andrew Kamati said Shimwaafeni’s story resonates with young people because he is not a distant historical figure but someone from their own generation.
“He’s our age group. And he did not do something that is complicated. He saw children in danger and decided, ‘I’m going.’ That makes you ask yourself: If I was there, what would I have done?” Kamati said.
He argued that young Namibians should not view heroism solely through the lens of the liberation struggle.
“For our parents and grandparents, heroism was fighting colonialism and achieving independence. For us, it could be creating jobs, helping someone in your community, standing up against corruption, building something, saving someone or refusing to participate in something wrong,” he said.
“My point here is that you don’t necessarily need to die for Namibia to contribute to Namibia.”
Kamati said the recognition should be followed by tangible support for Shimwaafeni, who remains a 16-year-old learner.
“Don’t let it end with a medal and a ceremony. He’s 16. He’s still a learner. Invest in him,” he said.
Kamati suggested that the government could provide education, skills development or career opportunities depending on Shimwaafeni’s interests.
“Let the recognition actually change his future. Otherwise, we are celebrating the act but doing nothing for the person behind it,” he said.
Shimwaafeni has already received more than the national title. Following Wednesday’s conferment, he received a medal and N$200 000.
The teenager had also previously been offered free swimming and junior lifeguard training by Monarch Lifeguard, along with an opportunity to work as a lifeguard during the December holidays.
The benefits add a practical dimension to the debate among young Namibians about whether recognition should simply honour an act of courage or also help create opportunities for the young person behind it.
