President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to return to core values that protect life, as the country struggles with rising violence and social challenges.

Speaking during the National Prayer Day, the President urged collective responsibility from families, communities and institutions.

In a message of unity and accountability, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called upon spiritual and traditional leaders to take the lead in restoring moral values across society. 

She emphasised the need to rebuild compassion, self-control, respect, honesty and care for the vulnerable, values that she says are essential in addressing violence and social decay.

"I asked our spiritual and traditional leaders to help rebuild the values that protect life….

The President further extended the responsibility to parents and guardians, instructing them to teach their children that love should never be expressed through violence, and that true strength lies not in control but in discipline and respect."

She also called on teachers to be proactive in identifying distress, bullying and abuse among learners before situations escalate. 

"To parents and guardians, teach our children that love is never violent, and that strength is not control. Teachers recognise and address distress, bullying and abuse before they grow worse."

In a direct appeal to men and boys, the President challenged harmful perceptions of masculinity.

The law enforcement agencies were not left out, with a call for greater sensitivity and urgency in handling all reported cases of violence, regardless of gender.

"To our law enforcement officers, handle every report, whether from a woman or a man, with sensitivity and urgency."

As Namibia reflects on the role of faith and unity, the President's message reinforces a shared responsibility that protecting life begins with values practised at home, in schools, and across communities.