By Stefanus Nashama
The ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture says it is unaware of a group of more than 26 individuals camping at the veterans affairs office in Windhoek West, where they have been staying since December 1, 2025, while demanding that the government fulfil promises of employment, business opportunities, scholarships and other forms of support.
The group, known as the Association of Dependents Veterans Namibia (ADVN), says its members were registered through the then Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS) after returning to Namibia with their parents during the repatriation period. They claim that despite being registered for various government support programmes, their concerns have remained unresolved since 2008.
The group is calling for its members to be re-registered with the department of veterans affairs, arguing that they are distinct from the Children of the Liberation Struggle (CLS) because they all returned to Namibia with their parents, who were registered as veterans.
The members have also expressed concern that their plight is being treated as a political issue rather than a government responsibility.
In a recent statement to Confidente, executive director Gerard Vries said the ministry was only aware of a group of CLS members residing at the Windhoek Multi-Purpose Youth Resources Centre.
“We are only aware of the children of the liberation struggle who have been camping at the Youth Resources Centre since the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government initiated interventions to assist individuals living on the street,” said Vries.
He explained that Cabinet Decision No. 17th/16.09.08/002 designated the then MSYNS to coordinate the government’s commitment, in collaboration with other relevant ministries, to address the plight of the CLS.
In line with this mandate, the ministry registered and verified approximately 10,330 CLS members between 2008 and 2010, including those born in exile, those born in Namibia, and those who crossed into or returned from exile, Vries said.
Regarding employment in the public service, Vries stated that a Cabinet decision authorising the appointment of CLS members without interviews or applications was reviewed, corrected and invalidated by the high court on March 18, 2021
“Matters concerning the CLS have evolved over time and have been subject to various government decisions, policy considerations and legal developments. The ministry continues to operate within the applicable government policy, legal and administrative framework to address youth-related matters,” Vries said. He added that the ministry was currently unaware of having received a petition from the ADVN.
“Should the ADVN have submitted a petition previously, they are encouraged to provide a copy, along with details of when and to whom it was submitted, so the matter can be verified and directed to the appropriate office for consideration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Edson Haufiku, spokesperson for the ministry of defence and veterans affairs, confirmed that the ministry was aware of the group’s situation but said the matter was being handled by the Presidency.
“Yes, the ministry is aware of the matter, but please direct your queries to the state house, as they are handling the issue and are best suited to respond,” Haufiku said.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Presidency were unsuccessful.
ADVN president John Amadhila said the group continued to endure difficult living conditions while awaiting a response from the government.
“Here we feel safe because the ministry’s security guards also look after us. They are always patrolling. The ministry is assisting us with water and restroom access. During the day, we use the office’s toilets, but at night we have no choice but to go to service stations,” Amadhila said.
He noted that good Samaritans occasionally provided the group with toiletries and food.
“The biggest challenge we face is poverty, and our living conditions are terrible, but we will not give up until our demands are addressed.
“We have no choice but to endure these conditions. We must remain here until we receive a response,” he said.
The group has threatened not to vote in the next election if its concerns remain unaddressed.
