Allexer Namundjembo
The Association of Dependents of Veterans of Namibia (ADVN) is calling on the government to amend the Veterans Act of 2008 to include children of war veterans, including those born in exile, in state benefits.
During a demonstration in Windhoek, ADVN secretary general Petrus Nedongo accused the government of discrimination, calling the group “the forgotten children of the liberation struggle.”
“It is now 35 years of independence; we have endured hardships and torments from poverty. We now believe and understand that we have been discriminated against, ignored and forgotten as the dependents of the living and the late veterans of the liberation struggle,” Nedongo said while handing over the petition.
The association wants the act, which provides for a veterans’ fund, board, and appeal board, should also cover their children.
They demanded clear communication on amendments and guarantees that dependents will be included in the same way as veterans.
Deputy executive director of the ministry, Thaddeus Erago, received the petition on behalf of the minister.
“We have received your petition. I will transmit your petition to the office of the minister. We will work hard to make sure that we give you your response within 14 days, as you have requested,” he told the group.
The grievances raised are longstanding.
Since independence, children of liberation fighters, often referred to as “struggle kids”, have repeatedly called for recognition.
Over the years, many camped at the Parliament Gardens, Sam Nujoma Stadium, and outside the ministry of defence and veteran affairs in Windhoek.
Their demands have centred on jobs, education, and financial support. Some protests ended in clashes with police during forced removals from camps.
Despite promises of training and placements, many say they remain unemployed, while veterans themselves receive pensions and allowances.
In April 2009, more than 200 descendants of veterans staged an 80-day protest outside the ministry before moving to Swapo headquarters in Katutura, demanding jobs, training, and education.
In the same year, after five months, about 269 “children of the liberation struggle” marched to Parliament and the Angolan Embassy, delivering petitions to President Pohamba and the ministry.
Three years later, a group held a sit-in at Windhoek Police Station, threatening to return to Angola if jobs were not provided.
In August 2016, struggle kids blocked the B1 road between Windhoek and Okahandja, clashing with riot police during a dispute over relocation to Berg Aukas training facilities.
The confrontation ended in baton charges, stone throwing, fires, and arrests.
In December 2022, they also marched to the line ministry demanding deregistration from the then ministry of sport, youth and national service and re-registration as dependents under the Veterans Act.
They argued that they are no longer “kids” but adults entitled to benefits.
Earlier this year, parliamentary momentum grew when a standing committee recommended amendments to include all children of veterans born in exile.
The National Assembly supported the move, acknowledging that the exclusions in the original act were an oversight.
