Erongo governor calls for collaboration to solve social ills

Erongo governor Neville Andre at a prayer session and gender-based violence meeting at Walvis Bay on Thursday said social workers from the Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded 10 401 social problems by individuals and families from April 2024 to March 2025.

With 11% coming from gender-based violence (GBV) problems, Andre reiterated the need for more data from various sectors that deal with such cases for a full picture of what is happening in the region.

He noted that GBV perpetrators might also be suffering from some personality disorders, undiagnosed psychiatric illnesses, unresolved past trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

“Communities need to conduct their own research to understand GBV causes in their respective context as well. It is very sad and worrisome that we lose lives because of violence, as it threatens the right to life, safety and security,”

we lose lives because of violence, as it threatens the right to life, safety and security,” he said.

He motivated collaborative approaches to address such critical issues.

“Engaging diverse stakeholders, including the government, civil society and communities, is essential for creating sustainable change in attitudes, behaviours, and policies that perpetuate GBV. . . By coordinating services, survivors can access the necessary medical, psychological, legal and social support in a timely and efficient manner. This avoids unnecessary repetition of stories and minimises further trauma,” he said.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.