Vice-President Lucia Witbooi has stressed the need to expand the notion of accountability for reparative justice. 

Witbooi spoke at the 2025 Open Society Foundation tour in Windhoek and emphasised that it is not just a political issue but an urgent matter, particularly as Namibia seeks reparations from Germany for the 1904 colonial atrocities that killed over 100,000 Nama and Ovaherero people.

Vice-President Witbooi emphasised that reparations must reflect the voices of the people and promote unity, not division.

Witbooi called for a holistic approach to restorative justice. 

She emphasised that this approach should encompass compensation, land rights, spiritual recognition, environmental restitution and future-focused healing.

Witbooi stressed that sensitive issues, such as discussions around Shark Island, must be handled with utmost sensitivity.

She highlighted the vital role of women's leadership in the reparations process, noting that African women, often victims of colonial violence, have remained strong advocates for justice and human rights.

The vice president acknowledged the challenges of Namibia's post-colonial journey, stressing the need for political maturity, ideological awareness and inclusive dialogue. 

She called for a fearless yet pragmatic pursuit of truth, with a focus on integrity and genuine engagement with affected communities.

Witbooi noted that women, often the victims of sexual abuse, have remained steadfast advocates for justice and the rights of all, meaning women's leadership counts as heritage that can guide the path toward reparations. 

Witbooi stressed that reparative justice must underpin Namibia's development through a gender-responsive, inclusive approach that recognises how women uniquely suffered violence, dispossession and displacement. 

She echoed that restoring women's rights and dignity leads to more lasting and transformative justice for the country.