On August 23, 2025, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered a stirring address at the centenary celebration of the Anglican Diocese of Namibia held at St. Mary’s Mission in Odibo, Ohangwena Region. This landmark event commemorates 100 years of enduring faith, missionary witness, and dedicated service of the Anglican Church in Namibia under the theme, “Commemorating Achievements and Visualizing the Future of the Anglican Diocese of Namibia.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the roots of the Anglican presence in Namibia, tracing back to 1924 when Reverend George Tobias founded St. Mary’s Mission at Odibo, a vital spiritual and community hub that became much more than a church it served as a center for education, healthcare, and social support. Tobias’ dedication extended beyond preaching; he embraced multiple roles including builder, teacher, and linguist, capturing the essence of the church’s integration into Namibian life by learning the Kwanyama language and translating religious texts into the mother tongue.
Recognizing the century as both legacy and promise, the President highlighted the church’s significant contributions amid historical adversity, including its courageous opposition to colonialism and apartheid. The Anglican Church stood alongside SWAPO and freedom fighters, supporting political prisoners and mobilizing international solidarity. Many prominent Namibian leaders and liberation heroes, including founding SWAPO members and former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, were educated through Anglican institutions like Odibo.
The centenary is also a reflection on leadership legacy, honoring past bishops who shepherded the church through tumultuous times and laid foundations for growth and nation-building. Remarkably, St. Mary’s Mission hosted one of Namibia’s earliest printing presses, which produced religious and Oshikwanyama literary works, marking the church as a cultural pioneer.
Looking ahead, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for the Anglican Diocese to continue growing local leadership, expanding youth and women’s programs, and deepening the church’s role in addressing societal challenges such as mental health, violence, and despair. She urged renewed collaboration between church and government, emphasizing the collective responsibility of families, churches, and communities to nurture moral values and spiritual education.
Closing her address, the President expressed deep gratitude for the Anglican Church’s partnership in national development through education, healthcare, social welfare, and advocacy reaffirming the commitment of state and church to a just, equitable, and God fearing Namibia. She envisioned the century old flame of faith as a beacon that will continue to illuminate and transform Namibian society for the next hundred years.
The centenary celebration not only honored a remarkable past but also set a visionary path for the Anglican Diocese of Namibia to remain a vibrant, prophetic force of faith, hope, and service in the heart of Namibia.
God bless the Anglican Diocese of Namibia! God bless Namibia!
