05/06/2026
Keynote Address By Her Excellency, Lucia Witbooi, Vice President Of The Republic Of Namibia On The Occasion Of The Graduation Ceremony Of The Namibian Police Force Basic Training, Course 1 Of 2025/2026
Friday, 05 June 2026
Gobabis, Omaheke Region
Allow me, at the onset, to convey warm greetings from Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the President of the Republic of Namibia, and Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), who has entrusted me with the responsibility of representing her at this important national occasion.
Her Excellency, the President extends her sincere congratulations to every graduate assembled here today and conveys her profound appreciation to the leadership of the Namibian Police Force, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, the training staff, parents, guardians, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts have contributed to the success of this Namibian Police Force Basic Training Course 1 of 2025/2026.
This ceremony reaffirms our country's unwavering commitment to peace, security, justice, and the rule of law. It is also a demonstration of our determination to build a professional, disciplined, and people-centred police force capable of responding effectively to the evolving security challenges of our country.
Director of Ceremonies;
The graduation of six hundred and seventy (670) Cadet Constables, comprising three hundred and eighty-two (382) females and two hundred and eighty-eight (288) males, marks an important investment in Namibia's future. Every nation depends upon institutions that safeguard its stability, protect its citizens, and uphold its constitutional order. The Namibian Police Force remains one of the key pillars of our democracy and one of the principal institutions through which the State fulfils its obligation to ensure the safety and security of all people living within our borders.
As a nation, we take pride in Namibia’s continued peace and stability. This achievement should never be taken for granted. It is the result of deliberate efforts by government, security institutions, communities, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society, and citizens who work together to preserve social harmony and national unity.
As we reflect on these achievements, it is important to recognise that peace and security are not ends in themselves. They are the foundation upon which development, economic growth, investment, job creation, social justice, and national prosperity are built. Without security, development cannot flourish. Without law and order, progress becomes difficult to sustain. The responsibility that these graduates assume today is therefore directly linked to the broader national aspirations of the Republic of Namibia.
It is within this broader context of nation-building and sustainable development that our Government continues to invest in strengthening the capacity, professionalism, and effectiveness of our security institutions. Such investments are essential to enable these institutions to effectively prevent and combat transnational organised crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, stock theft, gender-based violence, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, and other threats that undermine public safety and delay national development.
As we strengthen our security capabilities, we remain equally committed to upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution. Our democracy is founded upon respect for human dignity, fundamental freedoms, equality before the law, and the protection of human rights. These principles must continue to guide the conduct of every law enforcement officer and every public institution.
Director of Ceremonies;
While strengthening institutional capacity remains our national priority, we are equally committed to ensuring that our security sector reflects the values of inclusivity, equality, and equal opportunities that underpin our constitutional democracy. Therefore, I am particularly encouraged by the composition of this graduating cohort. The fact that female Cadet Constables outnumber their male counterparts for the first time in the history of such training represents a significant milestone in our national journey toward gender equality and women's empowerment.
This achievement reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring that men and women are afforded equal opportunities to participate and lead in all sectors of society, including law enforcement and security. It sends a powerful message that capability, professionalism, and leadership knows no gender.
To our graduates, today you stand ready to assume responsibilities that are vital to the security and well-being of our nation. Your training has equipped you with knowledge, skills, discipline, and resilience. However, the true test of your character will be measured by how you apply these qualities in your service to the people of Namibia.
You are entering a profession that demands sacrifice, courage, integrity, impartiality, and compassion. The uniform you wear represents far more than authority. It represents public trust. It represents the confidence that citizens place in you to protect their lives, safeguard their property, uphold justice, and defend the values upon which our nation is built.
As you assume your duties, remember that effective policing is not achieved through authority alone. It is achieved through partnership with communities, respect for human dignity, professionalism in conduct, and accountability in decision-making. The relationship between the police and the public must always be characterised by mutual trust and cooperation.
Never forget that your oath of office is not just a ceremonial pledge. It is a solemn commitment to serve the Republic faithfully, to uphold the Constitution without compromise, and to protect all citizens without fear or favour.
Director of Ceremonies,
I also wish to commend the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, particularly the Namibian Police Force, and all training personnel for your continued efforts to strengthen professionalism within the Force. Your dedication to developing capable and ethical officers contributes directly to the safety and stability of our nation.
In conclusion, as we celebrate this important milestone, let us remain steadfast in our shared commitment to safeguarding the peace, stability, and democratic values that define our nation. To our graduates, once again, remember that you are not only representatives of the Namibian Police Force, but also custodians of public trust, guardians of justice, and ambassadors of our nation's highest ideals. The people of Namibia will look to you for protection, leadership, fairness, and compassion. Carry out your duties with courage, integrity, professionalism, and humility, always guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia and the oath you have taken.
On behalf of Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you.
With these remarks, it is now my singular honour to declare the Police Basic Training Course 1 of 2025/2026 officially concluded.
I thank you.