The Otjozondjupa Governor, James Uerikua met with stateless and undocumented residents of Otjiwarongo recently to discuss the challenges they face. 

The community, which lives on the outskirts of Otjiwarongo's Ombili location, welcomed the governor's visit. 

They say the meeting gave them a long overdue chance to voice the problems they've faced since relocating from Osire Refugee Camp four years ago. 

Since then, they say no leader has ever visited them. 

The group of mostly Angolans shared their many challenges including a lack of national documents, municipal services, and employment opportunities.

Without documents, the residents say their elderly cannot access government social programs. 

They added youths are unable to further their studies at tertiary institutions, which leads to unemployment.

Governor Uerikua, who was joined by other regional representatives, stated that Africans need to hold hands as sisters and brothers and help one another. 

He noted that during Namibia's fight for independence, countries such as Angola provided refuge to Namibian nationals. 

The governor closed with a promise to engage all relevant stakeholders in addressing the group's hardships.

"We have heard all your concerns and the biggest issue is that of national documents. We are going to consult all relevant stakeholders the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, and the Angolan Embassy in Namibia. You are not going to be thrown away from this country."

By 2020 over 3 000 refugees at the Osire refugee camp were relocated back to Angola. 

This group says they have no intention of ever returning and consider Namibia to be their only home.