President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced measures that the government will take to tackle gender-based violence, suicide and fatal road crashes.  

Namibia, the President said, has strong laws to protect the citizens; however, there is a huge gap between what the legislation provides and implementation. 

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah was speaking at the Namibia National Prayer Day in Windhoek.

The prayer day brought national leaders, religious representatives, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and the public on one platform to pray for the country and seek divine intervention on social challenges.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced measures to weather the storm, including an assessment of every Bener-based Violence Protection Unit, with every shortcoming identified and corrected.

Protection orders are to be served within 24 hours without exception, reviewing the Combating of Rape Act to address the issue of repeat offenders, delays and the gap that leaves survivors unprotected. 

In addition is the acceleration of the review of the Road Safety Act with stronger consequences for drunken driving, speeding and repeat dangerous offenders and better protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

While acknowledging the government's responsibility to strengthen laws and implement measures to address these challenges, the President says moral decay in society requires a collective response.

The Head of State called for collective efforts to address social ills within communities. 

Vice President Lucia Witbooi, who spearheaded the National Prayer Day, noted that the collective efforts, with divine intervention, will bring about true behavioural transformation. 

The Cabinet declared 12 September 2026 as the National Prayer Day.

Twelve years ago, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba also led a national prayer day on GBV and the crime of passion.