Namibia continues to face alarming suicide rates, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah describing the situation as a “national tragedy” during the 26th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Ondangwa on Monday.
She revealed that 542 people took their own lives in 2023/2024, placing Namibia at the top of Africa’s suicide statistics. In just the past month, more than 10 lives were lost. “This is not simply a number; it represents precious lives lost, families shattered and a nation in grief,” she stressed.
The President urged traditional leaders to play an active role in confronting the crisis, emphasizing that their wisdom and influence could help raise awareness, provide community support, and save lives.
Alongside suicide prevention, Nandi-Ndaitwah also underscored the urgent need to root out corruption within traditional authorities. She warned against denying vulnerable citizens access to land for farming and settlement, saying such practices must be stopped immediately.
“Corruption is like a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society,” she said, calling on leaders to uphold fairness and integrity in their communities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded by reminding traditional leaders that their role is central in ensuring justice, compassion, and the well-being of all Namibians.
