Her dream, our home
Tears, gratitude and remembrance
The handover of a newly built house in Okahandja Park last week was bittersweet, as Christine Kanguvi received the keys to a home that had originally been meant for her late mother, Constansia.
As she stood before community members and officials, Christine Kanguvi struggled to hold back her tears. Her voice trembled as she spoke, overcome by gratitude and grief.
The day marked the fulfilment of a dream her mother had carried for most of her life; a dream she did not live to see realised.
“This house was meant for my mother,” Christine said. “Although she is not physically here with us today, I know in my heart that her spirit is present and that she would have been proud to see this moment.”
The Kanguvi family’s journey began in 1993, when they moved to Okahandja Park and settled near the 4-Way Market. Like many families at the time, they lived without formal recognition, security or stability. The uncertainty of informal living meant that the home never truly felt permanent.
In 2000, Christine’s mother, Constansia, joined the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia through a savings group known as Distaimu. Alongside other women and community members, she became a committed and dedicated advocate for access to land and housing. For years, she attended meetings, saved money and supported others, refusing to give up despite the many challenges they faced. She fought tirelessly for land, not just for herself, but for the entire group.
Small success
After three years of engagement, the group was allocated land in 2003. For the first time, the family could say they truly had a place to call home. Christine, who grew up within the movement, witnessed the power of unity and collective struggle first-hand and remains involved in community activities to this day.
“It was the result of unity, sacrifice and determination by ordinary people who refused to give up,” Christine said while trying to stop her tears from rolling down her cheeks.
Christine became part of the group with her mother and remained an active member of the Shack Dwellers Federation for many years, until illness forced her to step back. In 2019, her health deteriorated severely following an amputation, leaving her wheelchair-bound. Despite her condition, she never lost hope.
When Christine informed her mother that she had been selected to receive a house the second weekend of December last year, her mother was overjoyed. It was the moment she had waited for her entire life.
Sadly, she passed away on 28 December 2025, just weeks before the project started.
Sad farewell
The house handover became not only a celebration, but also a deeply emotional farewell. Christine openly wept as she dedicated the home to her mother’s memory, still grieving the loss while expressing her gratitude.
“This house is not just a structure,” she said. “It represents my mother’s lifelong struggle; her commitment to the community; and her belief that one day things would be better for her grandchildren and me.”
She thanked Alternative Building Technology(ABT), the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, the Namibia Housing Action Group, government representatives and all partners involved in making the project possible.
Christine expressed hope that such initiatives contribute towards Vision 2030, calling for a future with no shacks, improved living conditions and meaningful development for all Namibians.
“This moment is painful and beautiful at the same time,” she said softly. “But I know my mother’s spirit is at peace, knowing that her family now has a safe place to call home.” - [email protected]
