Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s Executive Director, Etienne Maritz, has announced that 10,932 marginalised San individuals have recently been issued national documents as part of the ministry’s ongoing outreach programme.
He revealed that the outreach programme is being carried out in partnership with the Office of the President’s Division of Marginalised Communities and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Welfare. The programme’s primary goal is to provide national documents and facilitate access to social protection services, with a particular focus on the San community.
“This programme, which commenced on 23 June 2025, is progressing steadily, with over 10,932 San individuals already registered in the 24 days since its commencement. The programme runs until 30 August 2025 and covers the Oshikoto, Omusati, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, Hardap, Omaheke, Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East and Kunene regions,” Maritz said.
He explained that the outreach services include registration of births, identity document (ID) registration, applications for replacement of national documents, distribution of uncollected IDs, and amendments to personal particulars.
“In addition to civil registration services, the Marginalised Communities Division and Ministry of Gender Equality and Social Welfare are facilitating applications for a range of social protection services offered through their respective offices. All services under this outreach programme are offered free of charge,” Maritz said.
He encouraged the San community, particularly those living in remote areas, to take full advantage of the programme. He also advised applicants to bring any relevant supporting documents, if possible, to facilitate the process, but reassured that arrangements will be made to assist those who do not have the necessary documents on a case-by-case basis.
“This outreach effort aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive development and the recognition that legal identity and protection are fundamental human rights that enable full participation in national life. This initiative further reflects the government’s commitment to ‘leaving no one behind’ and ensuring that all Namibians, regardless of social or geographic status, have access to legal identity and the public services they deserve,” Maritz added.
