Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Thursday called on churches and other stakeholders to work together to confront rising social problems such as gender-based violence, youth hopelessness, corruption and substance abuse.
She said Namibia’s future depends on restoring moral values and strengthening families.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Windhoek, a gathering attended by church leaders, diplomats and business executives, Witbooi urged faith-based organizations to take a leading role in rebuilding social cohesion and guiding young people towards a more hopeful future.
She appealed to churches to help rescue Namibia’s moral fabric, warning that rising violence, hopelessness among youth, corruption and family breakdown threaten the country’s social stability.
Under the theme ‘Thanksgiving, Peace, Transformation’, the vice president told religious leaders, business executives and government officials that Namibia’s progress over the last three decades could be undermined if moral and social challenges are left unchecked.
“Even as we celebrate these achievements, we remain concerned about the rise in social challenges affecting our communities,” Witbooi said. She listed gender-based violence, violence against children, substance abuse, road fatalities, youth unemployment, corruption and growing hopelessness among young people as some of the country’s pressing concerns.
Witbooi called on churches to “do more in restoring good moral values in our societies, especially among the youths.”
She said the government alone could not build the Namibia citizens desire, stressing that sustainable development requires cooperation between the state, churches, traditional leaders, civil society and ordinary citizens.
“The government alone cannot build the Namibia we desire,” she said.
Witbooi urged churches to reclaim what she described as their “rightful role” as “a beacon of hope” by providing counselling, humanitarian support, moral leadership and reconciliation in communities struggling with hardship and uncertainty.
The breakfast also featured internationally renowned motivational speaker and evangelist Nick Vujicic, whose attendance drew significant interest from church leaders and members of the public.
Welcoming him to Namibia, Witbooi praised his message of perseverance and faith, saying his life story continues to inspire millions around the world.
“Your journey has moved beyond borders, cultures, and generations, reminding humanity that purpose is not determined by circumstance, but by the strength of one’s spirit and faith,” she said.
Witbooi also used the occasion to reinforce the government’s commitment to peace and unity, saying Namibia remains proud of the democratic stability it has maintained since independence.
“We celebrate the peace and stability that have defined our democracy for over three decades,” she said.
Her speech repeatedly emphasised that Namibia’s future depends not only on economic growth or political leadership but also on rebuilding values, strengthening families and restoring hope.
“The strength and future of Namibia lie in our collective resolve to stand together in unity, guided by shared values of faith, integrity, and service,” Witbooi said in closing.