Lawmakers in the National Council debated the new Marriage Bill, raising concerns about allowing an 18-year-old to marry, citing potential risks to their education and maturity levels.

The bill, aimed at regulating marriages and validating certain unions, ignited intense discussion from several fronts.

Swapo MP Andreas Amundjindi's concern was about allowing 18-year-olds to exchange vows.

"I am very sure that most of them are still in secondary schools, and some are first-year students in universities. Are we not going to jeopardise their education? Most of us here are parents, and we know these young people are still in school. Although legally a full-age person is 18 because they can vote, sign contracts, and make decisions, when I critically think, I fail to understand that this age group is not mature enough to make families because marriage comes with huge responsibilities."

Independent Candidate, Paulus Mbangu, supported Amundjundi.

"It's important if we can increase the age to 21 because 18 is still a kid. By 21 years, at least the person can take the decision of marriage; that is a long-term decision."

The debate also poked into cultural sensitivities, with NUDO MP Peter Kazongominja questioning the bill's insistence on monogamous marriages, which contradicts traditional polygamous practices in some communities.

He further stated that it causes a clash between legal mandates and cultural norms deeply ingrained in Namibian society.

"The law says that only monogamy is allowed, but what does my tradition say? If my uncle passes on and has a wife, my tradition says Kazongomija, your uncle passed on. This lady has been a good lady at our house. We won't take her back to the family we married her from. Take over your uncle's wife."

Further disagreement arose over the recognition of foreign marriages and same-sex unions, with Amundjindi firmly opposing the idea, citing cultural values.