OSHAKATI – For years, Monica Manzila endured hardship as she raised her son single-handedly, often wondering whether their struggles would ever end.

Some days were harder than others, as she suffered to make ends meet. 

However, tears of joy streamed down her face on Friday as she watched her 20-year-old son, Isaack Manzila, proudly wearing his new police uniform during the latest pass-out parade of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recruits.

“To see him in this uniform is like a dream come true. We have been through so much hardship. Sometimes we had nothing to eat, but today, I can finally say my son has graduated into our breadwinner,” she said, her trembling hands holding tightly onto her handbag. Manzila said with her son’s graduation into an officer of the law, their prayers have been finally answered.

“This is just the beginning. My son will go far, and he will serve his country well,” she said with a smile, while holding back tears. 

Isaack, one of hundreds of recruits welcomed into NamPol’s ranks last week, vowed to support his family and serve the public with honour. “I promised my mother that her suffering was over. From now on, I will take care of her and my siblings. I want to show that even from hardship, something good can come,” he noted. For many families across the country, the police recruitment drive has not only opened doors to employment, but also to pride and hope.

Each of the recruits has their own story to tell, but they are united in a shared sense of duty. John Tobias, another newly-minted officer, said he will strive to uphold integrity in his new role.

“I didn’t join the police force to be a useless officer. I want to be a gentleman, a man of discipline and service. The nation deserves that,” he said with conviction. His sentiments were echoed by fellow recruit Selma Ndeshaafela, who emphasised the importance of upholding constitutional values. “I want to serve the people of Namibia with fairness, and according to the Constitution. I will not be part of anything that goes against it,” she affirmed.

The police leadership has urged the new recruits to maintain professionalism, dignity and commitment to justice.