ǁKharas residents urged to collect unclaimed ID cards

The ǁKharas Regional Governor, Dawid Gertze, has urged traditional authorities, community leaders and councillors to help ensure that 1,860 uncollected identity cards (IDs) are collected by their owners.

Gertze said the identity cards were being held at the regional office and called on residents to collect them.

"An uncollected identity card is a missed opportunity. Your ID represents your identity, your citizenship and your voice in our democracy. Please collect your identity document," he said.

Gertze emphasised that civil registration was the foundation of citizenship and provided access to essential services and constitutional rights.

"Without an ID, people cannot vote, open a bank account or access many public services. It is an important document that secures opportunities for individuals and their families," he said.

Gertze also highlighted that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security had expanded access to civil registration services by bringing them closer to communities.

According to Gertze, the Karasburg Sub-Regional Office, inaugurated on 30 June 2025, has improved access to civil registration services for residents of Karasburg and surrounding areas.

“First-time identity card registration services, introduced on 30 March 2026, have reduced the need for residents of the Karasburg East Constituency to travel to Keetmanshoop to apply for identity documents,” the governor said. 

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, the turn-around time for both first-time and duplicate Namibian ID cards is ten (10) working days in the regions.