A significant milestone has been achieved in addressing the longstanding issue of national documentation among the San community in the country.
Over 1,000 members of the San community in the Guinas Constituency of Oshikoto Region were recently provided with essential national documents, such as birth certificates and identity documents.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, took place from 22 October to 8 November 2024.
“This achievement marks a significant step toward inclusivity and social justice for historically marginalized communities,” said Etienne Maritz, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in a statement.
In addition to national documentation, 200 San community members were successfully registered for social grants, including the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Grants. These grants will provide crucial financial support to vulnerable individuals within the community.
The pilot project was implemented in several areas of the Oshikoto Region, including Tsintsabis, Oerwoud, Tsumeb, Kuvukiland, Farm Ombili, Farm Ondera, and Oshivelo.
“This remarkable milestone would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the regional leadership, community, community leaders, members of village development committees, church leaders, and the dedicated teams from both the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare,” he said.
Meanwhile, the success of this pilot project serves as a model for further initiatives to enhance the rights and opportunities of Marginalized Communities across Namibia.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that all Namibians, regardless of their background, have equal access to the services, benefits, and recognition they deserve,” he concluded.