Bravery Kabula
As Namibia prepares to mark Namibia Independence Day on 21 March, a day associated with freedom and national pride, some street vendors in Windhoek say the promise of independence is not fully reflected in their everyday lives.
For many Namibians, the annual commemoration marks the country’s liberation from South African rule in 1990 and honours the sacrifices made by liberation heroes. Yet, for some informal traders struggling to earn a living in the capital, independence brings mixed feelings.
Maria Domingo, a street vendor who has been operating in Windhoek, says the environment for vendors has become increasingly restrictive over the years.
“Apart from everything, we are not happy like before. We used to struggle but we could sell freely. Now we are like in a cage where they are controlling us every day,” she said.
Maria said vendors often feel overlooked despite playing their role in the country’s democratic process, particularly during election periods.
“They come here during elections and campaign. We vote for our people and we are happy to do that. But now we feel like they have put us aside. We are not regarded as human beings in this so called independent country,” she added.
Her remarks echo frustrations often expressed by informal traders, who say increased enforcement and regulations have made it harder for them to operate freely.
Still, Domingo emphasised that the significance of independence cannot be ignored.
“We will celebrate the upcoming Independence Day. We are happy with our fallen heroes,” she empasised.
Another vendor, Johannes Kanyenga, also shared his frustrations about the conditions faced by traders trying to make a living on the streets.
According to him, the challenges of unemployment have pushed many people into informal trading as a way to survive.
“Actually, I’m not really happy with the coming Independence Day. The government is not really looking at us and we feel left behind. Many of us are facing a lot of problems,” he said.
Kanyenga said vendors are often prevented from selling their goods by city authorities, making it difficult for them to support themselves and their families.
“When we are trying to sell our products, the city police are not allowing us, but this is where we are getting our bread and basic needs,” he said.
He added that many traders have educational backgrounds but struggle to secure formal employment.
For Kanyenga, informal trading is a way for people to create opportunities for themselves rather than turning to crime.
He also expressed frustration over restrictions that sometimes limit where vendors can operate, saying it discourages customers from approaching them.
“Sometimes it feels like we are in prison. Customers are scared to buy from us because they are threatened and intimidated by the authorities.
Despite their concerns, both vendors acknowledged the importance of the country’s independence and the sacrifices made by those who fought for it.
However, their experiences highlight a broader question that continues to surface more than three decades after independence and whether the benefits of freedom are being felt equally by all Namibians, particularly those trying to survive in the informal economy. As the country prepares to celebrate another year of independence, voices from the streets serve as a reminder that for many citizens, the journey towards economic freedom is still ongoing