EDITORIAL: Nandi-Ndaitwah must end her silence on Hengari allegations
In the dawn of Namibia's new administration, the dark shadow of rape allegations against agriculture minister Mac Hengari has loomed large, casting a pall over the government's early days. What steps, if any, has President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah taken to gauge the full extent of the allegations and their implications?
True, at the heart of justice lies the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty. But President Nandi-Ndaitwah now finds herself at a crucial juncture. Has she taken action to engage with Hengari directly, hearing from the horse’s mouth? And if yes, would it not help to state this publicly, so that women and children in our country know that action – even preliminary – is being taken?
Her actions – or lack thereof – will send a powerful message about the integrity of her government, shaping both national and international perceptions.
Namibia is already grappling with an alarming crisis in gender-based violence, and recent tragedies, such as the brutal rape and murder of five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, have left the nation in mourning and shock.
In light of this, the government’s response to the Hengari case will resonate far beyond the corridors of power. It will signal to Namibian women whether their safety under the new administration is a genuine priority.
For the sake of all Namibians, particularly women, this government must demonstrate unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. The way in which this case is managed will set the standard for how future allegations of sexual violence are addressed. President Nandi-Ndaitwah must end her silence. The time to speak to the nation has arrived. Namibians deserve clarity, justice and a clear message that such allegations will never be swept under the rug.
True, at the heart of justice lies the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty. But President Nandi-Ndaitwah now finds herself at a crucial juncture. Has she taken action to engage with Hengari directly, hearing from the horse’s mouth? And if yes, would it not help to state this publicly, so that women and children in our country know that action – even preliminary – is being taken?
Her actions – or lack thereof – will send a powerful message about the integrity of her government, shaping both national and international perceptions.
Namibia is already grappling with an alarming crisis in gender-based violence, and recent tragedies, such as the brutal rape and murder of five-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, have left the nation in mourning and shock.
In light of this, the government’s response to the Hengari case will resonate far beyond the corridors of power. It will signal to Namibian women whether their safety under the new administration is a genuine priority.
For the sake of all Namibians, particularly women, this government must demonstrate unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. The way in which this case is managed will set the standard for how future allegations of sexual violence are addressed. President Nandi-Ndaitwah must end her silence. The time to speak to the nation has arrived. Namibians deserve clarity, justice and a clear message that such allegations will never be swept under the rug.
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Namibian Sun
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