As the world marks the International Day of the Boy Child, Namibia’s First Gentleman, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, reflected on the growing imbalance in male participation and engagement in education and social development.
In an exclusive interview, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Ndaitwah shared his vision for restoring family values, strengthening fatherhood, and encouraging men to reclaim their roles as mentors, leaders, and protectors within society.
Ndaitwah revealed that, according to the Ministry of Education, 8,720 boys across Namibia dropped out of school in 2023. He stressed that this figure should not be taken lightly, as it represents “thousands of interrupted futures and unrealised potential".
“While it is important to celebrate the advancement and achievements of young women, we must acknowledge the growing imbalances. This is not about competition between genders. It is about ensuring balanced, inclusive, and sustainable national development,” he said.
He further noted that many boys are growing up without fathers or positive role models, lack structured mentorship and guidance, and are increasingly exposed to early substance abuse, violence, and negative peer pressure. According to Ndaitwah, many also struggle with identity formation, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of purpose.
“All signs indicate that society’s traditional systems and family structures, which once guided boys into responsible adulthood, have weakened,” he said.
Ndaitwah also called for greater inclusion of boys in sexual and reproductive health education.
“We must address the persistent gaps in sexual and reproductive health education, where boys are often excluded or insufficiently supported. This leaves many boys without the guidance needed to make informed decisions about their health, relationships, and responsibilities,” he added.
The full interview will air tomorrow at 09:05 on National FM, where People’s Parliament presenter Leevy Lee Abrahamas will sit down with the First Gentleman to discuss the issue in greater detail.
Gordon Joseph
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Former First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, is the incoming Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), the world's largest alliance for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health.
Geingos will succeed New Zealand politician Helen Clark, who completes her tenure in November 2026.
Announcing the appointment of Geingos, Clark said, “Monica is exceptionally well placed to lead the partnership at this moment, bringing together principled leadership with practical experience and a clear understanding that progress for women, children and adolescents depends on political courage, inclusive partnerships and sustained investment.”
According to PMNCH, Geingos’ appointment reinforces its commitment to ensuring that women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health, including full access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, remains central to global health and development efforts.
Accepting her appointment, Geingos shared that she was “deeply honoured to take on this role and particularly to build on the exceptional leadership of Helen Clark, whose commitment has helped shape PMNCH into a powerful global platform for advocacy and accountability".
South Africa's Minister of Health, Pakishe Motsoaledi, highlighted the importance of Geingos’ appointment for the African continent, saying, “Africa needs strong and credible voices to champion investment in health, dignity and human potential.” Motsoaledi added, “Ms. Geingos has demonstrated precisely that kind of leadership throughout her public life.”
Report: Mallex Shipanga
#NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcplusapp
Former First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, is the incoming Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), the world's largest alliance for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health.
Geingos will succeed New Zealand politician Helen Clark, who completes her tenure in November 2026.
Announcing the appointment of Geingos, Clark said, “Monica is exceptionally well placed to lead the partnership at this moment, bringing together principled leadership with practical experience and a clear understanding that progress for women, children and adolescents depends on political courage, inclusive partnerships and sustained investment.”
According to PMNCH, Geingos’ appointment reinforces its commitment to ensuring that women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health, including full access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, remains central to global health and development efforts.
Accepting her appointment, Geingos shared that she was “deeply honoured to take on this role and particularly to build on the exceptional leadership of Helen Clark, whose commitment has helped shape PMNCH into a powerful global platform for advocacy and accountability".
South Africa's Minister of Health, Pakishe Motsoaledi, highlighted the importance of Geingos’ appointment for the African continent, saying, “Africa needs strong and credible voices to champion investment in health, dignity and human potential.” Motsoaledi added, “Ms. Geingos has demonstrated precisely that kind of leadership throughout her public life.”
Report: Mallex Shipanga
#NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcplusapp
Namibian courts should sentence drunk and reckless drivers to hours of community service where they accompany paramedics to accident scenes and spend time assisting at mortuaries during the postmortems of road accident victims, so they can experience the real consequences of DUI.