WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The Namibian government has officially initiated a voluntary repatriation programme for its citizens currently residing in South Africa. The strategic move comes in the wake of a recent wave of protests across the border targeting undocumented immigration.
Authorities in Windhoek anticipate that approximately 1,000 Namibians will choose to return to their home country under the new initiative. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Namibian Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has directed regional councils and local authorities to identify and prepare temporary reception sites, such as community halls, to accommodate the returning citizens.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria is actively coordinating with its nationals on the ground. A spokesperson for the Namibian Ministry of Urban and Rural Development emphasized that the government is maintaining close contact with its citizens abroad to ensure their safety.
“Our people in most countries where they are, they are organized,” the spokesperson stated. “They are in touch with one another. They are all in touch with our high commission. They know the telephone numbers that they need to contact should they be in danger.”
According to the ministry, more than 100 individuals have registered for the voluntary repatriation programme so far. While the exact total number of Namibians living in South Africa remains unquantified, officials stressed that communication channels remain open.
“What is important is just that the embassy [and] the government [are] in touch with our people in South Africa,” the representative added, confirming that the state remains fully engaged in supporting its diaspora during this period of regional unrest.
