Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed concern over the rising suicide cases in the Ohangwena region, describing the situation as one that keeps her awake at night.
Speaking during the official opening of the 15th Eenhana Expo, she paused her economic address to address the recent spate of suicides in the region.
“I cannot leave this podium without addressing an issue which is giving me sleepless nights. I am sure you, as residents of the Ohangwena region, have been feeling the same. I call on all residents of Ohangwena to do soul-searching and ask the big question: What is happening in our society?” she said.
She extended her sympathy to the bereaved families, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also directed civil servants to be sensitive to others’ circumstances, stressing the importance of empathy and inclusion in governance.
Her comments followed the deaths of three teachers by suicide in the region. The teachers are Titus Nuuyi (34) from Enyana Combined School in Okongo, who left behind a suicide note, 39-year-old Lukas Kalwenya from Ohehonge Combined School and 28-year-old Nestory Namhinda from Eenhana Secondary School.
These incidents, occurring within a week, have shaken the local communities and the education sector.
Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa echoed Nandi-Ndaitwah’s concerns, calling for open discussions about mental health.
“We are losing productive citizens because they feel isolated and unheard,” Hamutumwa said, urging people to seek help from professionals, religious institutions, or trusted individuals.
She highlighted teachers’ challenges, including emotional and financial burdens, and called for better support systems within the education sector. “Teaching is a demanding profession,” she said, urging families and school management to create environments where teachers feel valued and heard.
The recent suicides have drawn attention to systemic issues within the education sector. Education officials in the region described the deaths as deeply painful, warning that Namibia cannot afford to lose more lives in silence. The director of education in the Ohangwena region, Isak Hamatwi, stressed the complexity of suicide and called for transparency and openness in addressing it. “If the underlying causes are not spoken about, prevention becomes nearly impossible,” he said.
As Namibia implements the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the need to focus on economic growth and the emotional well-being of the people. “We are also too few to be losing lives to hopelessness.”
She reiterated her call for unity, collective responsibility, and kindness, highlighting her administration’s commitment to social welfare and mental health.
This year’s Eenhana Expo, known for showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth talent, will also be remembered for drawing national attention to the mental health struggles faced by educators and the urgent need for intervention.
