Windhoek: Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo has called on residents to reject the silence that allows abuse to flourish, saying communities should not excuse violence simply because perpetrators are relatives. Speaking during Namibia's National Prayer Day in Nkurenkuru on Saturday, Sinimbo said the region and the country continue to face social challenges that threaten the safety, dignity and well-being of people, including gender-based violence (GBV), killings, violence against children, alcohol and drug abuse, crime, suicide and family conflict.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sinimbo urged community members to report abuse and support survivors instead of protecting perpetrators. The National Prayer Day was held under the theme, 'Seeking Divine Intervention for Behavioural Change', with the slogan, 'God Knows. God Sees. God Hears.' Sinimbo stressed that prayer alone is not enough to address the social challenges facing communities. 'Prayer must not be viewed as a substitute for action. It must inspire action,' she said. 'It must move us to protect those who are vulnerable, report abuse, support survivors, raise our children with care, reject violence and hold offenders accountable.'

Sinimbo highlighted that while laws and government programmes remain essential, lasting change must also take place in the hearts, attitudes and behaviour of individuals. She further called on churches and faith-based communities to work with the Government in building safer homes and communities. Nkurenkuru Deputy Mayor Engerberth Kaveto said the gathering came at a time when communities and the country were confronted by serious social challenges, including GBV, gruesome killings, violence against children, alcohol and drug abuse, crime, suicide and the breakdown of families.

Kaveto emphasized that these social ills affect all members of the community, disturbing the peace of homes, weakening communities, and denying many people the opportunity to live in safety and dignity. She added that the gathering provided an opportunity for people to unite in prayer, reflect on their conduct, and renew their commitment to building a more caring and responsible society. 'When we leave this venue, let us continue to protect the vulnerable, speak out against abuse, report acts of violence and support those who are suffering. Let the change we seek begin within our homes and within each one of us,' Kaveto said.