Government repatriates 700 Angolan street children

By: Victoria Ashipala

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration’s control immigration officer, Esther Hamukoto, said so far 700 Angolan street children have been repatriated.

Hamukoto said the target was to return over 1 700 children in collaboration with the Angolan government as well as the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

She made the remarks during the ministry’s official launch of the 2025 tourism arrival statistics report in Windhoek, after tour operator James David raised concern that he was receiving questions about who these children are who are begging from tourists.

David called on the government to implement solutions to stop the Angolan children who often beg for money at streetlights, making it difficult to explain to tourists

“But how do I explain to a foreigner that does not distinguish between a Namibian and a non-Namibian. So, the NTB is running all over the world to market for the clients to come to Namibia. But now in Namibia, there is this the image that we are creating for the environment,” stated David.

Hamukoto said that plans are still underway for the repatriation of the remaining Angolan street children, adding that the government is currently in talks with the Angolan government to resolve the matter.

“The number which we targeted was 1 724, but we managed to remove only 700. So, the Minister of Home Affairs and immigration, Angolan government, they are busy. And we are just waiting for the directive from our principal. Once they have given us the directive, the operation will start,” she said.

The environment minister, Indileni Daniel, has also urged citizens to stop giving money to the children saying it encourages them.

“Stop giving these kids. Whether it is food, I think the moment there is no reward in the streets, they will move, and I think this is the message. Media, please help us. Let’s not reward the children. Because the moment there is a reward, of course they will be attracted, and more and more will be. Maybe this is also one of the first steps we can take,” she urged.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the government has the capacity to handle the matter, and they are currently working on

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