NEWS - NAMIBIA | 2013-08-08

  Comments

This is a selfish act, we're not happy with th change. This is not a dictatorship country, we have in a democratically independent country . You should have asked the caprivian residents n you people are misusing our rights for freedom of choice not focusing people 2 accept same name of a river that is shared by many countries - Sims Joel

i am very happy about the dicision of our president made, these will bring more infrastructure in the region and will also reduce ratio of unemployment. - Kanyetu Michael N

Yes, the renaming of regions and constituencies, as well as additional constituencies have been long overdue. This is very wise decision by the Stateman. it will in fact bring services closer to the people. I therefore, suggest that local authorities should also follow suit and rename all streets and infrastructure named after colonisers. In the same vein I urge our politcians and technocrats not to see this exercise as an opportunity to make make a fortune out implementating of the President's decision, but to use the resources to the beneift of the people, especially the previously disadvantaged rural people. - Tuhafeni Helao

I d congratulate the Head of State for changing the names,especially the former Caprivi region simply because it carries a colonial denotation. let him do the same to Luderitz BAY. It s high time that Adolf Luderitz and other Geman colonial intruders left this country. u can even name it after a famous veteran or make it generally CRAYFISH BAY. it is high time that u also divide the Ohangwena REGION because it is very wide with its 13 constituencies. - ITANA SETSON

Yes, and thank you Mr President. I am really supporting this renaming of our places: towns and villages according to our own indigenous languages. Its high time that Namibians start to know how local places are called in different indigenous languages and be able to write it, especially the school going learners or students. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN... - Matthias Sammer Rooinasie

Yes, and thank you Mr President. I am really supporting this renaming of our places: towns and villages according to our own indigenous languages. Its high time that Namibians start to know how local places are called in different indigenous languages and be able to write it, especially the school going learners or students. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN... - Matthias Sammer Rooinasie

KUNENE REGION SHOULD HAVE BEEN DIVIDED TO DO AWAY WITH TRIBAL COMPETITIVNESS ABOUT GRN RESOUCES. KUNENE SOULD HAVE BEEN DIVIDED INTO NORTH AND SOUTH BECAUSE OF ITS VASTNESS BUT THE PREROGATIVE REST WITH THE HEAD OF STATE AND THE COMMISISON WHICH WAS GIVEN THE JOB TO REASEARCH AND SURELY THEY HAVE PROVIDE CONSIDERABLE REASONS WHICH WAS THE OUTCOME OF THIS FINAL EXCERCISE. SINCE NAMIBIA AS A DEMOCARTAIC COUNTRY HAS PUT THE TRUST THROUGH THE BALOT IN THE RULING PARTY AND THE HEAD OF STATE WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THE GOVERNING DECISIONS BECAUSE NOT ALL OF US CAN BE DECISION MAKERS. ALUTA CONTINUA AGAINST FIGHTING POVERTY AND SERVICES MUST BEEN BROUGHT CLOSER TO THE NEEDY. - Amingo ApacheA

We should accept our past and move forward in that regard. History forms an integral part of a country and changing names to suit our heritage for me is one sure sign that we have not quite moved on and accepted that we need to stand together and integrate history into our system. Changing the name of the caprivi region was not necessary. Personally (a long time ago), I researched to actually find how the "Caprivi" name came about and was quite intriguing. Trying to change to suit ethnicity now just makes us like every other regular. Just my view - zachary

Emotions Emotions are rising and hot over the name change of Caprivi to Zambezi region. The then Caprivians now to Zambezians,the truth remains that the old generation will remain in the old Caprivi whike the the coming new generation will be in the new Zambezi mentality. Let me tell you this "change in critical times is painfull and will never satisfy the majority of the Caprivi till death". Were we to vote for the name change we could never have changed the name. This is a pure politically motivated game to please the few in our beloved Nambia. Why don't we change the likes of Grootfontein,Luderitz,Windhoek,Swakopmund,just to mention a few,but also change the names of places in Windhoek like Kleinkuppe,Olympia and many more....Change...Change...Change vakwetu shike O'Caprivi gone for ever....but understand that the people of Caprivi will ever remain subjects of other people because of cowardity mentality....hei nitamani Caprivi is gone and burried in the mighty Zambezi river or back to German. We want to see the cofirn of Caprivi being flown back to German very soon for Zambezi to have enough peaceful space. Caprivians are the victim of the nation or what? - Mwala Neo

Congratulations to His Excellence President Hifikepunye Pohamba. It is great achievement for Kavango as a region and Namibia in general. Kavango East and Kavango West and the addition of new constituencies will facilitate the work load of our esteemed Regional Councillors and departments in different Ministries such as Education to mention but a few. Long Live Namibians! - Kanyongo Hausku Fillippus

CHANGING OF THE NAME IS JUST NONSENSE, MIND YOU WHO EVER IS BEHIND THIS, JURGMENT IS COMING AND YOU WILL BE PUNISHED FOR THIS. YOU TOOK OUR LAND AND NOW YOU CHANGE THE NAME. WHY ARE YOU NOT CHANGING YOUR NAMES? FIRST CHANGE YOUR NAMES ONLY WHEN YOU CAN CHANGE ALL THE REGIONS NOT ONLY CAPRIVI. MUKATWALE - MUKATWALE

Woow, Congratulations Mr. President For Identifying The Sons And Daughters Of The Zambezi, Gone Are The Children Of Captain Von Caprivi. I Dont Think It Matters If We Are Called Zambezies Or Zambezians, But It Sounds More African Than Caprivian." Mulitumele Mubonse, Kambesi Inswi Za Zambezi Kapa Tuba Zuminini Kale Nji Nzala". - Christopher Likando

In all democratic countries changing of the name like Caprivi could involve all the people residing in that part of the land not only few individuals, it could be done through referendum, it could be added on the ballots of presidential or any of the election ballots to be decided by the people of the Caprivi not the President and his followers. This shows how corrupt Namibia has become, if something doesn’t favor the government it is just imposed on the people by the government because it has powers to do so, this is the same as Governors issue instead of being voted into offices by the people the president chose to hand pick Governors of the regions because it didn’t favor his party. Changing Caprivi Region is no sense. Let me tell the president of Namibian and his followers who decided to change Caprivi Region to Zambezi that you can change the name Caprivi to any name you want, it will remain as Caprivi in minds of all Caprivians. Caprivians are not stupid not to realize that changing of region names were targeted at Caprivi and reading this announcement there is no other region that had been renamed because Kavango is still Kavango it is only East and West that was added. The announcement says and I quote “Karas Region has been renamed to !Karas Region.” Is there any change to Karas Region, come on, the name Caprivi is like a thorn in the flesh to the Government because of what they did and still doing to poor Caprivians. We have many colony names in Namibia for example; the capital city “Windhoek” is Afrikaans why can’t they change it? What do you want from Caprivians? Katima Mulilo is still full of dust while all Namibian towns totally changed after independence. When you want land you go to Caprivi, when you want to kill people you go to Caprivi, our four brothers were shot to death recently for no reason, whenever you think of doing any inhumane thing you go to Caprivi, you have done enough already stay away from our motherland. The Bible says “nto ni nto ina ni nako ya yona” this is your time to do whatever you want to Caprivi and Caprivians. Soon God will answer our prayers and our sufferings will come to an end. Proud Caprivian Mazo - Nachamba

we thank the commsion team 4 their good ad satisfatory recmedation to head of state i nw ask the head of state to appoint 1 to do the sarvey in police ad NDF 4 btter namibia i propose the name 4 the militaly accademy to be late ltnt gen DIMO HAMAABO under point of speling correction i MPHK KAVARI close by saying TIME HVE CME 4 THE YOUTH TO DEPUTICE THE SINIOR 4 GOOD GOVERNANCE THE NEX MORNING i thnk you - KAVARI MUTUARI

Atlast something new to the namibian development I think its a good thing that this changes have bean made but the presidant should think of renaming one of the west or south side kavango to something els - ferdinad kakuni M

sinsmbao ,itenge is the worst of all ,we will remain caprivians forever and Bissa that a very good question we need clarity concerning our land ,soon we will be told that we dont have land when they having been taking our land every time they have the opportunity to do so.am so angry about the whole issue. - anne

sinsmbao ,itenge is the worst of all ,we will remain caprivians forever and Bissa that a very good question we need clarity concerning our land ,soon we will be told that we dont have land when they having been taking our land every time they have the opportunity to do so.am so angry about the whole issue. - anne

I realy dn't c any difference on changing th names cos it is creatng apartheid. - tobie

We welcome the decision taken on Zambezi region but the soil they took again from the region is our great concern why only our region is the one losing the soil and animals to Namibia - Bissa

Thumbs up for the Namibian newspaper, still telling it like it is... I understand everything is done with a reason behind. As a young proud Namibian, i would like to know the reason why caprivi was renamed zambezi region. - Hendrina

We're used to calling our fellow citizens from Caprivi (Zambezi) region, Caprivians. What shall we call them now? Maybe by their ethinic tribal names like Mafwe, Masubiya or Tothela or what? Any advice? - Simeon

Wow, we can only hope the indigenous people are supportive and understands the changes and the reasons behind. What shall Luderitz town be called next then? - Simeon

About time for that 'Caprivian' thing. How I hated being called one. Considering that I was actually being called after a German not even an African! But then why didn't the President just name it it's original name Itenge? - Sinambao

This is news indeed! Just found out now from Taati on Facebook and decided to check it out here. I could have gone on saying outdated names. Thanks the Namibian Newspaper for the news updates. Namibia, keep our leaders in prayers. Because it's good, pleases God and we will keep enjoying peace and tranquility in our beloved land of the brave. Blessings. - King Julius Kwedhi

Well, it is always to always have news on the table, because it keeps people alive by knowing what is going on. Firstly, I would like to thank the paper for the article, and secondly I would like to thank the people for their comments. Going through the article, I think there is a reason of all these changes, and I believe it was not decided by the president alone, but a few trusted people were consulted. So, even if the name Zambezi region sounds better, but I guess the interests of the people in the region was suppose to be considered, because it is not right how concerned citizens takes it. They deserve trust and love, so, I would advice the president to step forward and clear people's doubts. I understand presidency is a big thing, but it is a blessing from God. Do something mr president for the sake of the lost souls and confused, because going through History, it was hope that we got independence, so, let's not go back there, but rather learn, as life is a learning process for all, nor white or black, WE ARE ONE IN SPIRIT. Let's love one another! Thanks. - Ba James

I disagree with the issue of changing the name. - ZIBO TUBAHOME

Allen, Iam with you on the correct address of people from the Zambezi region. I am not a zambezian or caprivian or Zambian better refer to me as a mufwe from Zambezi region just like all other tribes are refered to. No one is called by their regions but their tribes, your comment is in order. As for some of you who have nothing better to say on this issue, rather keep your insults to yourselves. Its such a shame to read insults going to the head of state and fellow leaders of the country. Have you got no shame on yourselves insulting people who could be your parents if not grandparents. Goes to show how you treat your own parents. This is not the platform for such things please, take your personal vendettas elsewhere-Europe - Justice Chipalo

Want to thank Mr President for announcing new names and regions... To my side, its not easy to change names. Especially for Caprivi. - Hamakali Jonas Nghidinihamba

I am happy to hear that our country is having 14 regions hear that our country is having 14 32/-++,4 - neromba

I am happy to see that hear that our country is having 14 32/-++,4 - neromba

150 years from now, all the name changing will mean nothing.... - Morty

Well done Mr President. The renaming of Caprivi has been overdue. - Andrew

I hope that now it will be fine since they divided Kavango into two parts that make work easier and proper safe among the community, we are still looking forward to get another councilor since we do not know who is the councilor for Kavango east and Kavango west yet. thanks a lot Dr president Hifikepunye Pohamba for your hard work and the whole country at large i thank you. - sindimba Adelinus

What justifies the renaming of these regions? Can someone please tell me what is going. - Staleny Muyunda

we are the sons and doughters of the land not of the river.. we live on the ground and dont depend on the rivr for suvirval.. to hell with zambezi region... who ever brought that up... my God purnish him heavily n may he never forgive him. pohamba n you team; may you run in the bush and get a dry standing tree bit it and die their! amen. down zambezi region down. go to hell is you want to create that region or go to the river and rule the fish, hippos, crockdles, and evrythng in it. it true what mr henery buiswalelo said about our skin "our skin is a case" he said. " black people are good for nothing, the are just good at making noise, indulging in sex, and marrying many wives. give them guns they will shoot each other" said pw botha. so its true our gov is killing us now. watch out - freeman

If the division of the region means quality service delivery well done but the renaming of caprivi im a bit shocked - Humphrey

great. more regions must be rename en started. we want to see more changes within our people - Tshilongo Jefta N

Caprivian... never loose hope. name change or wht we will be forever 100% Caprivians. on tht note, why a sudden change to the name Caprivi... is their something wrong connected to it or what? if so why the name change? we are not a river to be called zambezians... to all the fouls cheering the gov for that... you dont know what you are doing.. you are mis guided element suffocating from identity crisis. shame on you namiban gov.. may God forgive you for you dont know what you are doing. judgement day shall come and the saviour shall prosecute you. why always caprivi ano... we are sick and tired of this so called swapo gov.. even the pm himself once said this swapo gov is no good at all. you shall burn in the flames of hell, may the lord answer our prayers.. aluta continua - givean

When this region was named Caprivi from its African name by a German foreigner did you complain? if not please spare us your cheap reasoning. Why should you complain when the name change is done by our own people? the region was not Caprivi by nature, Zambezi is African and I like it. Viva President Viva. - Jola Lee

Zambezi region now it realy sound namibian..this is good indeed - lainashangano

cant believe this we have been always known as caprivians now why that sudden change ,we demand to know the reasons behind .this is not fair at all changes were suppose to be done for all the regions in Namibia. They claim its democracy in Namibia this isn't democracy at all but instead its dictatorship.. - mary-anne

I want to know a new 14 constituencis - Penda shidhimbwe

Is the New Zambezi region had been extended to Andara or Divudu as requested by the people of that region? - Chizuka

This whole thing of changing the name of Cprivi to Zambezi will not come for free, it cost us a lot of money which could have gone to job creation. The problem we have is that every head of state we have had so far has not gone beyond Grade 7. This is bullshit i think. Dandie - Dandie

Mellis, you really need to go back to my comment. It has nothing to do with tribalism neither your perspective. I think get schooled on tribalism and tribal identity. I am a proud Namibian. I don' like it when someone whose region of origin is not Caprivi to call Caprivian. That has been the case since the region was named Caprivi. What is wrong to identify my self with my tribe? Tell me? Get schooled, I am proud being Namibian and belonging to my tribe. I won't deny any Namibian coz I am not a tribalist. Define your perspectives with integrity my fellow. _ - Allen

Thanks a lot to our Honourable President for the announcement made in order to divide Kavango into two regions and also to reveal Caprivi as Zambezi Region. You have achieved the high demand of the entire nation. - Mbundu Markus M.

I feel that this a very stupid move from our Government because this is not in any way showing the government's attempts at promoting solidarity amongst an already divided nation. Because as much as we'd like to hide it, ethnocentrism and tribalism is very rife in this nation. How about looking at enacting ACTS and BILLS that will make rent, water, electricity and fuel prices affordable without looking at "what's in it for me?" We really need to prioritise and not look at unnecessary nonsense like renaming towns and regions when these very towns and regions have one of the nations highest levels of unemployment. Let's get serious people it's either our Government shapes up or ships out, Because the nation as a whole is getting sick of it. And the way we are conditioned and socialised to just tolerate things is the reason why things are the way they are. - Rom1time

Nothing exciting about these!! Create jobs for the people. Anyone can do a region name change, Govenors should be doing this, Not him. Its not even news worthy. - mili

Thank you Mr president 4 dividing our region,may God bless you. - ndjwaki Abraham

From first to last [ C to Z], but congratulations to people of Zambezi, now it sound really Namibian. hope to see the same with Luderitze and the likes. that' s what Namibians want to see leaders listening to commissions. hope we will the same response from other commissions as well. 'long leave Namibia'!! - Nicholaus

History is made for the first time in Kavango. President Pohambo is known for making bold decisions. The decision to divide Kavango region into two is most appreciated by vaKavango. The region was just too vast stretching about 500KM from east to west and about 250KM north to south. VaKavango will not forget this noble decision, which will fast track development. Viva President Pohamba! Viva Swapo Party. - Kativa Thimoteus Singuwe

Congratulations to your Excellency Dr. Pohamba for your immeasurable leadership. We like leaders like you whose eyes and ears are always on the grassroots. By for example by dividing the Kavango Region into two, reflects a perfect analysis because this region is so vast , with low development as well as with a lot of under utilised resources and so many tribal conflicts. I believe this action will give way to some developments in that region as well to culminate the tribal conflicts particularly at the level of Traditional Authority. - Kamati

Wooh!!!!, Peoples President the only one who can listen to the cry of the nation, the President had the cry of the Kavango to be divided, thank you Mr. President with all your team. - KK Muriki

I HOPE I WILL BE APPOINTED GOVERNER OF THE CAVANGO WEST OH. NICE TO CREATE JOBS EH. - Sir Cauna

It always surprises me when I read comments like this one from Allen: I am a mufwe, subia, yeyi mbukushu, lozi from Zambezi region. I hope we wont be called Zambezians or Zambians for that matter. - Allen Allen: You are a Namibian first and foremost. Get over your tribal designation. It should not be your primary identifier. This country must focus on being part of the whole, instead of being regional. Until citizens see themselves first and foremost as "Namibian" you are open to bickering, backbiting and undercurrents of racism and tribalism. That does no one any good. - Robert S. Mellis

all work well - maurice

This is the good news that people from the former Kavango region have waiting to hear one good day. Finally God has responded to our prayer. The region was too vast and hence service delivery could not reach all of us in the region. in the end the region was hit with many social problems of poverty, high teenage pregnancy and being the poorest region in the country. We hope by this time our leaders have learned a lesson from it, and they will then work for their people with no excuse of distance to reach their own people. We salute our traditional leaders and councillors for listening to the voice of their people. All in all goes to His Excellency Hon. President Pohamba for taking into consideration the recommendations of the committee he set up. We thank you very much for that. - Happy

thankx Dr Pohamba - jafet shilongo5

i APPRECIATED TO RENAMED REGION MY PRESIDENT AND GOOD LUCK THAT GOD BLESSED MANY MORE YEARS - Gerson Uirab

thats good news, good leadership and good govenance region need to be named after their historical background for the interest of our new generation. I hope this is just a beggining. Viva HE Pohamba. - Endjala

good news in the name of development

To me that is vry fine to rename our region after the name of our mighty river Zambezi, which is one of the most proud of resource God gave to us and is whre almost the majority of our peole depend for Life. We are now the Zambezians from Zambezi region....God bless your newly name "Caprivi" now "Zambezi".... - David Ntema

Kavango Region was too big so now it makes sense to divide it and decentralize coz when the region is too big not everybody benefits, as of renaming i am just glad my region 'Oshikoto' was not rename. - Sonya

Hope this time the nation will address people from the then Caprivi region on their tribes i.e. I am a mufwe, subia, yeyi mbukushu, lozi from Zambezi region. I hope we wont be called Zambezians or Zambians for that matter. - Allen

All the best my president...... - Andre Bezuidenhoudt

Thats good Mr Pohamba.......and why Namibia is changing like weather???? - celine shiinda

According to one the reasons that necessitated the division of Kavango into two was service delivery to the people; yet the area has been expanded which in turn increase responsibility over more people. Regardless of size, service delivery to people of this nation/country is questionable. To me this is just another balloon to budget (expenditure) and yet we still suffer as usual. Who bears this cost of at least 6 councilors and a governor with their luxuries? When should be financially concerned and reduce no of ministries, rather than duplicating functions without bearing fruit. What happened to the concern of public service size versus service delivery and expenditure? What will this cost us (take note it's not a ounce of cost but life long till amendment is again done)? Is this catered for in current budget cycle? - sam

Renaming Caprivi region should be applauded by every peace loving namibians. Von Caprivi was a colonial governor and now we even call our own fellow namibians "Caprivians" like they originated from him. What a an insult to our nation! Zambezi region sound good, people from that region their live depend mostly on the river. I am very proud of the name Zambezi region, Kavango and Kunene these people depend on these rivers. Omusati (Mopani) these people their life depend on this tree being constractions of houses, firewood, mopani-worms,shades etc.See how we are making sence now. - Matthews

According the decision made and announced by the head of the state HP of course its good enough to divide Kavango into maybe the reason be-hide is to decentralized development and services delivered to public but they were supposed remain Kavango because Kavango is forename belong to the certain tribe like Caprivi region they were supposed to rename it example to Rundu region or Manguni Regina A and B than, like the way they decide to rename Caprivi region to Zambezi region.@Dr City P.Daniel-Omusati Region - Petrus Daniel

What about ONDONGA region? - Vanessa Kapeng

Well that is just, unusual. I'm sure it will only be relevant to primary school students when they have to name the "14" regions - Nate

sounds interesting we will have to wait and see what good it will do to the affected regions and the nation at large,and the new governor...? - erastus paulus

I dont know yet what brought those changes but as for me it wil take long to say am 4rm zambezi region am used to be a caprivian - Tembwe david simataa

I think it's a good idea becouse more people are suffering especially at the Northern side were flood happens every year. people can now be moved to that new settlement ( region ). - hamutenya paulus

That was a good move, I applaud the President... - sacky

I am curious to know why Caprivi region would be renamed to Zambezi region. - dominique

Well done Comrade President and credit also should be given to the Delimitation Commission team for a well job done. I hopefully believe that this came from the peiople themselves of those particular regions. Viva people's government viva and salute to the Namibian leadership under the ruling party SWAPO. - olavi Shivute

thanks mr President for announcing the outcome from delimination commission.we want also you to accelerate discusing electoral act as well as voter registration day. - chief nande