14 Dec 2015

A 50-year-old Namibian refugee who had forgotten directions to his parents’ home in Namibia’s Katima Mulilo could not hold himself, but broke down when he met his aging parents.

Mr Rodwell Sibongo, who was received and taken from the arrival centre by his uncle, said he could not point to the direction of his homestead because everything had dramatically changed, in particular the building of more decent and modern houses and the upgrading and extension of electrification of the town.

 Though he did not reveal why fled to Botswana at the time of the failed cessation period in 1998, he said he was lured under unexplainable pretext to join those who were going to Botswana for  political reasons.

He, however, said though he stayed and ate well while in Dukwi Refugee Camp, his heart had always been in Namibia because no place could be better than one’s village or country of origin.

Mr Sibongo, however, said he had been harbouring the wish to return and he was happy that he was about to start a new chapter of his life, noting that he had learnt how to build houses, a trade which he said would be put to good use.   

The soft speaking Mr Sibongo, who is also a self-taught pastor, took with him quality bedding and other household accessories. 

Looking closely to him, one could see a relative resemblance with his father Mr Sisinge Sibongo, who despite his advanced age, could still march like a young jubilant boy scout master.

Meanwhile, junior Sibongo’s mother Mukano Katura said she had never lost faith that one day she will be reunited with his son. 

Ms Katura, who was speaking with the aid of translation from his son, said though she did not quite remember when his son left with others to Botswana, she however remained positive that one day they would reunite.       

For his part, Dukwi Refugee Camp settlement commandant, Mr Bonang Batekele said he was appreciative of the gesture and welcome reception offered by family members to their loved ones.

Mr Batekele also noted that he was equally apprehensive of the Zambezi regional authorities as they were committed to assisting those who were arriving from the refugee camp.

 He said their unparalleled efforts would bore testimony to those who still in the camp that there was nothing to fear back home.

He, however, said government would continue to show them the need to go back home before the expiry of the December 31 ultimatum. 

He said the perception held by many still opposed to returning was that they tought they were going to be reprimanded when they returned home.

 

Nevertheless, Mr Batekele hoped the group of new arrivals, which was one of the many which had taken place, would serve as a motivation this time around as there was extensive media coverage to tell the actual facts on the ground. Ends