'Land is life and a fundamental right to humanity.' 

The Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN), Abraham ||Keibeb, made the remarks during a land donation ceremony at Mariental. 

ELCRN handed over a transfer letter for a piece of land measuring 65 hectares to the Mariental Municipality. 

The ceremony marks the end of long negotiations between the church and the town council after homeless residents illegally occupied the now-donated land since 2012. 

"This is not just handing over land, a piece of an erf. It is a foundation of hope, dignity and a brighter future for each one of us. We are called upon to be responsible citizens towards unity and a progressing world in our lives and in the lives of each and every citizen. The church believes and stands by it firmly that land is not only just stone and soil, but it is a sacred gift from God, and it must be shared by God's people."

The Mayor of Mariental, Ethel Isaacks, received the land transfer and said, "The situation was a remarkable one; the church chose to donate the land to Mariental Municipality with the clear intention that the necessary process be undertaken to service the land and enable the residents to access decent housing."

Beneficiaries, who are expected to soon become landowners, expressed appreciation to the church leadership as well as the council.