Omaheke: Community and political leaders in the Omaheke Region are playing a pivotal role in helping residents understand Namibia's new electronic identity (e-ID) system, as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security's awareness campaign continues across the region's rural constituencies.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during awareness sessions in Otjinene, Okorukambe, and Aminuis over the weekend and on Monday, local leaders joined ministry officials in explaining the benefits of the new biometric identity card, while encouraging residents to embrace the transition to a more secure digital identification system. Several leaders stepped beyond their ceremonial roles to actively engage residents, answering questions, translating technical information into local languages, and reassuring communities about the security of the new system.

Otjinene Constituency councillor Eben-ezer Kauapirura emphasized that trusted community leaders have a responsibility to help residents understand the e-ID, as people are more likely to accept the new technology when information comes from individuals they know. Kauapirura noted that residents raised numerous questions regarding data protection, biometric information, and how the new system would safeguard personal information, but he assured that attendees left the session satisfied with the explanations provided by ministry officials.

Meanwhile, in the Aminuis Constituency, councillor Isando Kavari addressed residents in their vernacular while demonstrating a sample of the new e-ID card to ensure community members fully understood how the new identification system will function. Kavari described the e-ID as a necessary step towards Namibia's digital future, emphasizing that rural communities should not be left behind as government services become increasingly digitized.

Kavari also highlighted that many residents continue to face significant challenges in accessing civil registration services due to the long distances they must travel to Gobabis, approximately 170 kilometers away, to obtain identity documents. He pointed out that transport costs remain unaffordable for many households, prompting calls for Home Affairs services to be brought closer to communities in the constituency. Beyond identity documentation, residents also highlighted broader socio-economic challenges, including unemployment and limited economic opportunities in rural areas.