Anglican Diocese of Namibia marks 100 years of faith and service

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at St Mary’s Mission, Odibo, Ohangwena region, 23 August 2025

We gather in this momentous year to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of Anglican mission in this Land of the Brave, the land of beauty and resilience. Under the theme, ‘Commemorating Achievements and Visualising the Future of the Anglican Diocese of Namibia’.

Today, we do not only celebrate a century since the Anglican Church first took root in Namibia – years of worship, witness, service, and hope. We gather not only to reflect on the remarkable journey of this beloved diocese, but also to embrace the promise of the future that lies ahead. This is more than a milestone, it is a testament to the enduring faith, resilience, and service of the Anglican Church to the Namibian people.

We stand here because of the prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering faith poured into this land over a full century.

A century is a celebration of legacy and promise. Today, we honour a century of spiritual growth, missionary witness, educational and social investment, and unwavering service to God and nation. It is a time to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present, and reimagine the future.

In the Bible, Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac, the child of promise, was born (Genesis 21:5). This moment marked the fulfilment of God’s covenant promise despite human impossibility, a powerful reminder of God’s perfect timing and faithfulness. I am honoured to be the main speaker at this historic event in my capacity as president of the Republic of Namibia and a product of this church, yours truly, Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

I thank Namibians for voting me into office and ask you to be with me as we build this nation further. I thank the organisers of this centenary for the kind invitation extended to me to attend and address this memorial event. Above all I glorify God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for all His wonders. What else can I say, God is great, He plans and executes on his own.

One hundred years ago, when this country was known as South West Africa, the Anglican presence was but a mustard seed. The early groundwork was laid by bishops Nelson Fogarty, yet it was reverend George Tobias, affectionately called Tate Lukenge, who nurtured that seed to truly take root.

In 1924, reverend George Tobias, a determined figure who served both as a stretcher-bearer during World War I, and later a devoted chaplain, travelled far to the north of Namibia and reached Odibo. There he founded St Mary’s Mission – not merely a church building, but a home of faith, learning, and service.

Yet the anniversary is not only about looking back. It is also a call to look forward. The same God who guided Tate Lukenge to Odibo is calling us today to continue building, serving and proclaiming His Kingdom. Our mission is to raise strong local leadership, inspire our youth, deepen our justice and reconciliation and carry the Gospel to places still waiting to hear it. We inherit a legacy, not to guard, but to grow.

As we recognise this milestone, we also welcome the recently published memoir by his son, Robert Tobias, titled ‘A Life of Service: From Stretcher-bearer in World War 1 to Bishop of Namibia’. This profound work preserves Anglican Church history in Namibia and the north in particular. It also encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and commitment that defined reverend Tobias’s life through the lens of his letters and diaries. It tells the sacrifices made and the truths lived during a time of great uncertainty.

The memoir also recorded individual Namibians who made immense contributions to the establishment of Odibo and the growth of the Anglican Church in northern Namibia. Among those to be recognised are representatives of Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, in particular Hamukoto Wa Kaluvi who was the first Ovakwanyama headman to meet Tobias and help him identify the land on which St Mary’s Mission stands. Others helped in the construction of his living quarters and making wells. Among them was my own father Petrus Nandi, who became one of the first employees at the mission as an interpreter and who passed away as an archdeacon in 1989 at the age of 105.

Their foresight and support laid the groundwork for a spiritual home that would serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for countless individuals over the years.

For me, talking about Odibo is like talking about myself. Much of my family life is grounded in Odibo, shaped by my father Petrus Nandi who was among the first people who met and worked with father George Tobias (Lukenge). They set up Odibo together and expanded the Anglican parish to many parts of Ovamboland before he finally settled at Onamutai, where he set up St Cuthbert parish and opened a school. Onamutai became the birthplace of many of my 13 siblings, including myself, apart from two who were born at Onaminda near Odibo.

Out of 13 of my siblings, four of us – Kaulipakwa Denys, Ndakondjelapo Canner, Mwayolongandja Lucia and Ndemupelila Netumbo Fransina – studied at Odibo. Today, it feels like a miracle for me to celebrate the Odibo centenary as the head of state of the Republic of Namibia.

This diocese was born in the context of colonialism and apartheid. The Anglican Church was one of the Swapo mainliners, if not the main. The church worked side by side with the freedom fighters and denounced apartheid and the South African occupation of Namibia. The church supported Namibian political prisoners and our people in exile. It also mobilised international political morale and material support to the fighting people of Namibia.

Some of the founding members of Swapo, including Andimba Toivo ya Toivo are products of Odibo. Our second president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, was also educated through the Anglican school. Some of the young people who became senior commanders of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, Swapo’s military wing, studied at Odibo. These commanders include Charles Namoloh, Martin Shali, and Ndalikutala Kamati, among others. The Namibian diplomat of high note, ambassador George Kalomoh, is also a product of Odibo. The list is long.

Due to the Anglican Church’s support for the liberation struggle, Odibo became the target of disruption by the apartheid regime. White foreign teachers, including bishops, were expelled and the school was forced into internal exile from Odibo to Onekwaya, only to be brought back after independence.

Today, the Anglican Diocese of Namibia is a vibrant, prophetic, and community-rooted church, ministering across urban and rural Namibia. It plays a fundamental role in the moral, social, and educational life of the nation. Under the current leadership of the right reverend Patrick Djuulume, the church continues to grow in faith, mission, and relevance.

As we reflect on the impact of the diocese, we acknowledge and pay special tribute to the dedicated leadership of past bishops who laid the foundation and carried forward the mission of this diocese: Nelson Fogarty, George Tobias, Robert Mize, Richard Wood, Colin Winter, James Kauluma, Hidulika Hilukiluah, Hamupembe Shihala, Nathanael Nakwatumbah, and Luke Pato.

Their visionary leadership allowed the diocese in Namibia to thrive, transforming lives while fostering a strong community. These men of God, and the women who walked alongside them, contributed immensely to nation-building, education, social cohesion, and spiritual nourishment.

A little-known but fascinating fact is this: St Mary’s Mission was home to one of Namibia’s earliest printing presses, used not only to produce Anglican religious texts, but also to publish the first written works in Oshikwanyama. This made Odibo not just a spiritual hub, but also a linguistic and literary cradle for the region. I look forward to cross-sector collaboration to revive the press that holds historical significance to the mission.

I am inspired to learn that the diocese is not sitting back, but is looking to the future, as it is investing in theological education and the training of clergy for effective ministry in an ever-changing world. I implore the business community to support the church to strengthen ongoing efforts. Attention is also given to specific youth and women development programmes.

As we look to the future, and while recognising that we live in a secular state, it is nonetheless important to nurture the historical partnership between the church and government. Together, we will ensure that the teachings of compassion, service, and integrity continue to remain deeply rooted within our hearts and communities. I encourage the diocese to explore innovative plans that bridge faith and present-day challenges, offering solutions that uplift and empower our people.

Namibia, like many nations, is grappling with a rising tide of despair – seen in the troubling rates of suicide, particularly among men, and the growing prevalence of violence in homes, communities, and public spaces. These are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families broken, and dreams cut short. They are a silent cry for hope, healing, and connection. These are the areas where the church has always been a sanctuary. I therefore call upon the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, and indeed all faith-based organisations, to strengthen their pastoral presence among all Namibians – rich and poor, men and women, the youth, and the most vulnerable members of our society.

I am aware of the call to introduce Bible teaching in schools. Yes, the call can be justified. However, moral education is part of our school curriculum, and we should therefore pay attention to it. At the same time, I call on our churches to open Sunday schools and parents to ensure that they take their children to those schools, thus enabling our children to be introduced to religious teaching early in their lives. However, this is a collective responsibility that should be shared by all stakeholders.

Let the church be a place where burdens are not only shared in prayer, but also met with practical support through counselling, mental health awareness, safe spaces, and programmes that restore dignity and purpose. Let us walk alongside those who feel unseen, unheard, and unloved, reminding them that they are not alone.

In conclusion, I convey on behalf of the government and people of Namibia to the Anglican Church our deepest appreciation for the longstanding partnership in national development. Whether through schools, health services, social welfare, counselling, or advocacy, the church continues to serve the people of Namibia.

We remain committed to collaborating with faith-based organisations in promoting peace, justice, reconciliation, and development. As we mark 100 years of the diocese in northern Namibia, let us recommit ourselves, as church and state, to a shared vision of a just, equitable, and God-fearing Namibia.

Today, let us join our voices with the psalmist: “Lord you have been our dwelling place for all generations… from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:1-2).

May the flame lit a century ago continue to burn brightly in Namibia and be a channel of Christ’s love for the next hundred years and beyond. Let us celebrate, not just with our words today, but with our lives tomorrow.

Congratulations to the Anglican Church. May the next 100 years be even more transformative and impactful in the service of Christ and the people of this nation.

God bless the Anglican Diocese of Namibia! God bless Namibia.

I thank you!

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