President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that Namibia has scrapped a law requiring fathers' presence as a prerequisite for mothers to obtain birth certificates.
The president noted that this regulation had previously hindered many Namibians from acquiring essential documents.
"Our biggest problem was the law that required the father to be there for a child to be registered. For us to comply with this constitutional requirement, we have now removed it. The presence of the father is very, very important. And I am appealing to the boy child; I am appealing to the fathers to be present and enjoy the presence of your child coming to this place. And then immediately go to the office in the hospital and get registered. But for those who do not co-experience that, you and I as mothers cannot run away from that. Because we are the ones running the baby, we are the ones who are giving birth to the baby. Before you leave the hospital, make sure you have registered the birth of your baby. Let this be known by everybody; the fathers are not there to punish the mothers. And who suffers is the child, who grows without a birth certificate. And it is very difficult to access services, including going to the nursery."
The president says that every Namibian should have access to their rights, including owning national documents.
Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo notes that the construction of the Civic Affairs office in the region will play a vital role amongst the residents of the Kavango West region.
"The Kavango West Civic Affairs Office, or regional office, occupies a central and indispensable role in the functioning of the region and the state, and it's through this office that the identity, legal status, and security of the citizens are safeguarded. From birth registration, national identity documentation and citizenship to immigration control and national security. This services the foundation upon which citizens access opportunities, exercise their rights and participate fully in national life."
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu shared that the facility offers a conducive working environment for staff and a dignified setting from which services can be rendered to the public.
"We all have noted by now that this is the time we need to demonstrate the business unusual by serving our people with the highest ethical standards, and let us, therefore, commit ourselves to always put our rights first, especially the team that is going to operate from this office. Our aim is to ensure that all vital documents such as marriages, divorces, and deaths are timely and accurately recorded, and we must ensure that our citizens and immigration services, such as passports and permits, are made available here timely again."