Freedom Without Land an Illusion

This past independence Day, I stood among fellow Namibians celebrating the freedom our ancestors and freedom fighters made possible.

But for me, celebration without reflection feels incomplete. Psychologically, politically, and physically, something is not right. Every day, travelling between Windhoek and Rehoboth, I see kilometres of fenced-off land.

Land divided, controlled, and often underutilised. With every kilometre, one question repeats in my mind: Who does this country really belong to?

My ancestors, like many others, were forcibly removed from their land and relocated to places like Katutura. That displacement was not just physical, it was psychological, shaping how people relate to land and power even today. Namibia has a population of about 2.7 million people. There is land, yet many Namibians cannot access it to live, build, or even be buried. Meanwhile, large farms remain concentrated in the hands of a minority.

At places like Okahandja Park, people are forced into land occupation just to survive, only to be removed again. No Namibian should have to ‘grab’ land in their own country. We must honour the wishes and struggles of our ancestors – those who fought for this land and for dignity. This land was fought for by the original people of this country, across communities, including black Namibians and coloured Namibians, who all share in this history and rightful belonging.

Recent suggestions that people consider cremation due to land shortages highlight a deeper issue. How can there be no land for ordinary citizens, while there is always space for dignified burials at Heroes’ Acre?

Land is more than property, it is identity, dignity, and power. Without access to it, freedom remains incomplete.

Until land truly 2 to all Namibians, independence will remain a celebration without substance.

– Joyce Kanguvi

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