Dear Madam President, I write to you as our head of state and a lifelong champion for the vulnerable.
Our nation remains in mourning over the horrific murder of Justine Shiweda, who was targeted for performing her civic duty.
Justine was a victim of her own integrity; her ‘crime’ was opposing the bail of a dangerous individual to protect her community.
While the era of the liberation struggle is the foundation of our history, we must now transition into a new era that resonates with today’s challenges.
To move forward without erasing the past, your administration has the opportunity to redefine heroism by shifting focus to the modern-day backbone of our society: the frontline civil servants who face contemporary threats to our peace.
The current Veterans Act is a product of its time, but its definitions now hinder our progress.
Restrictive definitions in the act limit ‘veteran’ status to those who were members of liberation forces and above 18 years of age by March 1990, which excludes the ‘new veterans’ of our democracy, like Shiweda, who fall in the line of duty today.
Furthermore, the act focuses largely on once-off gratuities, whereas we now face a mental health crisis that requires sustained, lifelong psychological support.
We must look to international precedents, such as that of France, which ‘adopts’ the children of heroes. Namibia must do the same.
I urge the parliament to table a motion introducing ‘ward of the nation’ status, providing quality lifelong psychological support to address trauma resulting from targeted violence committed against mothers.
This should include state-funded tertiary education and full medical coverage for the children.
An acid attack is a heinous form of gender-based violence designed to silence women who assert their authority.
By championing this motion, you will build upon your legacy of protecting women and modernising the state’s duty of care.
The blood of Justine Shiweda calls for a systemic shield to ensure no family is left destitute or isolated because of a parent’s courage in serving the country.
– Grace Kandundu (Dijon, France)
