Zebaldt Ngaruka 

OKATUMBA GATE – A disgruntled group of Namibian returnees from Botswana held at Gam reception area said they are in darkness over their repatriation, as no information is shared with them.

It has been over a year since the group of close to 100 Namibians relocated to Namibia. 

The group is housed in tents at Gam reception area, awaiting their intergration as full citizens of Namibia.

During their welcoming ceremony last year, Albert Kawana, the former immigration minister, guaranteed the group that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the provisions granted to Namibians are equally available to them.

The group secretary Kaaja Korujezu shared with New Era that the returnees are now up in arms with government representatives for their dictatorial behaviour when raising their concerns and querying their rights.

“We tried, but our voices are falling on deaf ears. We have been met with unresponsiveness and disdain. Even our own representative (the group chairperson) that we elected turned against us,” he said.

He said this situation left the returnees disgruntled and frustrated, as their concerns are ignored.

Additionally, decisions are taken without consultation and the integration process is done secretively. 

“This is not what we expected from our government. We thought they would work with us, listen to us and help us to rebuild our lives,” he said.

The secretary said the returnees were promised cattle, houses and employment opportunities.

 These were recently all denied. 

“There are no clear guidelines as how we will be assisted to acclimatise to Namibian social fabric. When we seek clarity on different issues, we are met with possible eviction from the camp or imprisonment,” he said. 

He added that the returnees view the situation and treatment at the Gam reception area as worse than that of the refugee camp.

“This is not fair, since in the refugees camp, the refugees are in transit while we are here forever. The government does not recognise our leadership, and they only communicate with the chairperson, who differs with us,” Korujezu stated. 

The group is also disheartened by the proposal to have them ressetled at Otjipaheua village, about 227 kilometres from Gam.

This place, according to the returnees, is only accessible through a four by four vehicle (4×4) vehicle, with no radio or telephonic communications.

“We are forced to go there and stay in open shelters, as we are not allowed to take along the government tents we are given,” he said.

The publication is in possession of the letter written by the concerned group to the agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani on 20 May 2025, where they raised their concerns and are not yet responded to in five months.

The returnees said this left them disgruntled and hopeless in their motherland. 

Attempts to obtain comment from governmnet on the matter proved futile.

– zngaruka@yahoo.com