Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has become the first Namibian to be conferred the Order of Simon of Cyrene by the Anglican Church in Southern Africa and Namibia.

Incepted in 1960, the Order of Simon of Cyrene is the highest award given by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa in recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions to society.

So far, the Anglican Church of South Africa has awarded 81 recipients, with Simon of the Cyrene Order and Nandi-Ndaitwah being the first in Namibia.

The Namibian Police have conferred 51 officers, 30 men, and 21 women, from all 14 regions with new ranks.

However, due to distance only 23 could attend the official event in Windhoek, with the rest being conferred by their respective regional commanders.   

The official conferment was done by Acting Inspector General, Major General Anna-Marie Nainda in the absence of Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.