Victoria Immanuel
David Mathew
ONDANGWA – Namibia is grappling with two major crises – a rising tide of suicides and high unemployment – both threatening to derail the country’s social and economic stability.
This was said by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah while addressing the 26th Annual Meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Ondangwa yesterday.
According to the head of state, 542 Namibians took their own lives during 2023/24, placing the country among those with the highest suicide rates in Africa.
She said in just four weeks, more than 10 lives had been lost to suicide across various regions of the country.
Four incidents were reported over the past weekend alone. Among them was well-known reggae artist Ras Sheehama, who allegedly took his own life at his home in Windhoek’s Ludwigsdorf suburb on Friday.
Sheehama (59) was reportedly found hanging from the roof by a domestic worker. He allegedly also left behind a suicide note, and no foul play is suspected.
In Okatha kEkola village, in Oshikoto region, Haggai Amakali (34) allegedly hanged himself from a marula tree. Another incident occurred at Omahenge village in Ohangwena, where 47-year-old Kalushu Mengeri was found hanging in his sleeping hut on Friday evening. A fourth case was reported in Iikokola village of Oshikoto region, where the body of 30-year-old Simion Johannes was discovered hanging from a tree at his homestead. He reportedly left behind a suicide note.
“These tragic stories, though different in circumstance, speak to a deepening national crisis that is tearing families apart,” the President said, stressing that the statistics represent not just numbers but shattered families and a nation in mourning.
She called on traditional authorities to join hands with the government in finding solutions.
“As traditional leaders, your wisdom, influence and close connection to communities are vital in helping the government understand the root causes and develop practical solutions. Together, we can provide support, raise awareness, save lives and ensure the well-being of all Namibians,” she urged.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further reminded leaders of their role as custodians of culture, noting that when positively practiced, culture can be a shield against social ills.
“The Council of Traditional Leaders must promote and safeguard the cultural practices and traditions that have held our people together over many centuries. A nation without culture is like a tree without roots,” she said, quoting the late Founding President Sam Nujoma.
Beyond the suicide crisis, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern over persistently high youth unemployment, which she described as “unacceptably high” at 44.4%, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency.
She urged traditional leaders to identify resources and competitive advantages within their localities to support job creation and development, suggesting that communal land be harnessed as capital to attract investments, stimulate industries and create opportunities for young people.
“These two issues, suicide and unemployment, are tearing at the heart of our society. We must face them with unity, determination and a sense of shared responsibility,” she said.
-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na