GAM – Namibians who recently returned from Botswana have expressed sincere gratitude to the Namibian government, and hope that more support will be extended to them at a settlement camp on the outskirts of Gam. 

The group of approximately 100 returnees, who fled to Botswana decades ago due to the war with colonial forces, expressed appreciation for their reception but also raised concerns about some challenges in adapting to life back home.

Overall, the returnees are enthusiastic about reuniting with their homeland. 

“We were well-received. In fact, we are very happy,” one of the group leaders said with pride. “The way we were transported from the border to here was marvellous,”  said the team leader Justice Muinjo, who emphasised the warm welcome they received. 

The returnees said the government had made considerable effort to ensure they are comfortable in their new settlements, providing tents, food, and other essential items.

“We were given ample accommodation,” he added, “though some people haven’t yet received their supplies, but it’s not a major problem since the government has assured us they are addressing it. The government has been doing everything right, and we’ve been supplied with almost everything we need,” said Muinjo.

However, some logistical challenges remain, including limited dietary options and a lack of toiletries.

“Our only concern is the 10 kg meal provided — it doesn’t last long, especially for those with children,” said Muinjo, adding that their primary food source has been the mealie meal, complemented by fish and beef. 

“One cannot only depend on one food type. Maybe they could consider adding rice or macaroni,” he suggested adding that so far servings of beef and fish provided are delicious.

Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, the returnees are elated to be back on Namibian soil.

Muinjo added that their return journey was motivated not by poor treatment in Botswana but by a strong connection to their homeland. 

“Life in Botswana was good, and we weren’t ill-treated. But we came back to Namibia because we love our motherland. We left here due to the war with the Germans. Now that Namibia is liberated, we wanted to return and help rebuild the country,” one of the returnee leaders explained. 

He noted with pride that many of them had participated in the liberation struggle. “It didn’t make sense to stay in Botswana when we fought so hard for this country’s freedom.”

However, one point of disappointment for the returnees is their inability to participate in the upcoming national elections, as voter registration closed before they arrived.

 “To be truthful, it feels like a disaster to us. We thought we would be part of the democratic process for the first time,” another returnee lamented. 

“We came a bit late, but maybe the government can create a supplementary register for people like us,” he said. 

Meanwhile, recent amendments to the Electoral Act mean there will be no supplementary registration for the 27 November elections, which has left some feeling their hands are “tied behind their backs.” 

“We fought in the liberation struggle, and we want to be involved in all aspects of life here, including politics,” the spokesperson added, emphasising the desire to fully reintegrate into Namibian society.

 “To be true to you, we are not very happy. It’s a disaster because we won’t participate in the elections. We wanted to be involved for the first time,” he said, visibly dejected. 

He said most of the returnees bring with them years of work experience from Botswana, and some younger individuals are hoping to find employment in Namibia. 

“I worked for the Botswana government for 22 years,” said Muinjo who previously worked for the finance ministry. “But now, we are eager for our young people here, who have qualifications, to find jobs in Namibia,” he added.

While some of the older returnees are now retired, younger members of the group are eager to contribute to the domestic workforce. 

“We have young people here with qualifications and experience. We hope the government will assist us in finding jobs since we’re new here and don’t know the system yet,” one returnee said, describing how some had worked in the Botswana government before relocating. However, they are aware of the broader issue of high unemployment rates in Namibia. 

“Unemployment is a challenge everywhere, even in developed countries. We’re not expecting a perfect solution, but we are ready to join the system and contribute in any way we can,” said Muinjo. 

Another request the returnees have is for additional support in the form of toiletries, as they currently lack these items.

 They also expressed a hope that the government will eventually provide livestock to help them establish their traditional livelihoods as farmers. 

“Looking at animals brings us joy as it is a part of our heritage,” they said, emphasising how essential livestock is to their identity and culture. “We sold all our cattle in Botswana when we anticipated coming to Namibia soon but waiting for years has been hard on us,”

He described that daily life in the settlement is simple, with residents performing basic tasks like cleaning their surroundings, preparing food, and taking care of their families. 

“It’s a bit boring now, but we know things will improve,” said one returnee.

 “When you’re at your own home, there are things to do, like gardening. Here, we’re adjusting,” he said while smiling. 

He added that at the close of each day, the community gathers to share stories, reminisce, and look forward to integrating into the broader Namibian community. 

“It’s like Christmas day when we were children, just being here is like music to us,” a returnee shared. “To see the Namibian sun, to feel like we’re home it’s wonderful.”

The Namibian government has made no specific promises about the returnees’ long-term needs, such as job placement or schooling, but the group remains optimistic.

 “We’ve been here for a month and a week, so we should give the government time. They’ve brought us here well, and we’re sure more support will come,” another one said. The group appreciates the care taken to bring them back home safely and they are hopeful they will be fully settled in the coming months.

“We are extremely happy to be back in Namibia,” a group member concluded. “It’s too early to complain, and we’re grateful for what we’ve been given. We’re ready to start a new life here, to contribute, and to be part of the Namibian story again.”

Despite some logistical issues, the returnees maintain a hopeful outlook. They are also eager for government to consider providing resources for their primary livelihood, namely farming.

 “We are farmers, and we hope to start afresh here,” one returnee stated, hoping that livestock support could be part of the government’s plans for them.

Asked about how they deal with their daily lives, Muinjo answered: “It’s like Christmas every day. Just being here, looking at the sun, it’s all beautiful.” 

As they continue to settle, the repatriated group looks forward to contributing positively to the Namibian society and economy.