Pendukeni wants red line relocated to Namibia’s borders

Former Swapo secretary-general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana has called for the relocation of the veterinary cordon fence (red line) to Namibia’s international borders, arguing that internal barriers should no longer divide citizens.

Speaking to Namibian Sun on Wednesday, Iivula-Ithana highlighted the ongoing mistreatment of people at Oshivelo and other checkpoints, calling for urgent reforms.

"Measures must be taken to improve how people are treated while still ensuring effective disease control," she said. "As Namibians, we must embrace nationalism. If the government decides that a disease-control border should be established, it must remain public and not be privatised."

She further noted that a barrier previously existed along the Namibia-Angola border to regulate livestock movement.

"If we, as Namibians, decide that the red line should be moved to the international border with Angola, then we must protect that boundary with commitment because it safeguards our livelihoods," she pointed out.



‘Reinforces division’

Iivula-Ithana said many Namibians have suffered at the Oshivelo checkpoint over the years, adding that the red line at Oshivelo was originally used for military purposes.

"For many of us liberation fighters, removing the red line was a top priority. However, over time, leaders came to understand its role in disease control and the livestock trade," she said.

She acknowledged past government efforts to help communal farmers in the north and north-east access lucrative markets, such as the European Union. This led to the establishment of quarantine camps.

However, she criticised the excessive scrutiny imposed on farmers from northern regions, saying it reinforces division.

"I cannot simply declare that the red line must be removed overnight, but concrete steps must be taken to ensure that any changes align with Namibia’s constitutional principles as a unitary state. At times, the red line makes one feel as if we are still under the Bantustan system, isolating northern regions," she added.

She also questioned why Namibia continues to rely on an outdated system, citing Botswana's alternative approach to disease control as a potential model.



SPYL: A gradual approach needed

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary Ephraim Nekongo agreed that the red line must go but cautioned that its removal must be carefully planned.

"The only point we have made is that its removal must be gradual. If we abruptly close Meatco and lose export markets, people will lose jobs. Farmers would be forced to shut down," Nekongo warned.

"The government is already working toward this transition. We need structured discussions on how to manage the meat trade from northern regions. If specific mechanisms are needed, we must deliberate on them. People should not politicise the issue," he warned.



PDM calls for inclusion, innovation

Gabriella Stadhauer, secretary for economic affairs and trade of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), called the red line a symbol of exclusion that no longer aligns with a unified Namibia.

"The PDM recognises that removing the red line requires careful planning to maintain disease control measures," she said.

"We must balance historical equity with the need to protect Namibia’s reputation as a producer of disease-free beef. This is not an either-or situation but a call for innovation, investment and collaboration," she added.

Meanwhile, a legal battle over the veterinary cordon fence has continued to unfold in the Windhoek High Court this month.

Activist Job Amupanda has framed the case as a fight for dignity and justice, not just livestock and trade.

Swapo stalwart and former prime minister Nahas Angula declined to comment, citing a conflict of interest as both a communal and commercial farmer.

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