Namibia: Organizing Takes Root in Rehoboth

In Rehoboth, Namibia, a new organizing effort is beginning to take shape—grounded in relationships, faith, and the leadership of local residents.

The work is being led by Rev. Colin Perceval Gertze, a Methodist minister and community organizer, who is being mentored by Pastor John Rutsindintwarane of Rwanda. In 2024, Pastor Gertze traveled to El Salvador to participate in a study trip to learn directly from Communities of Faith Organizing for Action (COFOA). He’s now helping adapt organizing methods and processes to the Namibian context.

The organizing began simply. In February, three women started meeting to discuss the challenges facing their community—unemployment, housing, lack of services, and a growing sense of disconnection from decisions that affect their lives. Within a week, the group grew to ten. It has continued to expand as participants invite others from different churches and across the community.

Through regular meetings at the Rehoboth Methodist Church, participants are building relationships, listening to one another, and identifying shared concerns. They are also beginning to develop leadership—learning how to analyze issues, understand government programs, and engage government institutions.

The group has started to move from conversation toward action. Leaders are conducting one-to-one conversations, mapping community needs, and exploring opportunities such as youth mobilization, agriculture, and public awareness about government programs. They have also committed to bringing in more young people and expanding the effort.

This work is still in its early stages. But it reflects a clear direction: organizing led by local people, rooted in faith, and focused on helping communities recognize and use the power they already have.

➡️Learn more about grassroots organizing in Africa