'Why I hosted son and spouse'

Anna Petrus Makili from Iikuku village in the Oshakati East constituency is unmoved by criticism she received after recently hosting her nephew Immanuel Jeremia and his husband Wendelinus Hamutenya-Jeremia at her homestead.

In largely conservative and deeply religious northern Namibia, homosexuality is widely deemed an abomination. Some consider it ungodly, hence the condemnation of Makili for her unorthodox decision to welcome the gay couple to her home.

The two men – from the fiercely traditional Ongandjera and Oukwanyama tribes – tied the knot in November 2020 in South Africa in a Dutch Reformed church. Their highly public union has set tongues wagging ever since.

Adorned in traditional attire, Makili (54) is seen in a video ululating for the couple and serving them traditional food, as per Aawambo custom when guests visit.

She said a situation like this requires a very careful response, as arguments won’t accomplish anything.

“At the same time, love won’t permit you to let it go. Should I burn him? He is my child and I love him. Gay people are human. “You’re going to have to work through the situation in one way or another. We will explore this journey together,” she said yesterday.

Standing firm

Speaking to Namibian Sun in a telephonic interview, Makili said she has suffered harassment and insults from Namibians both online and via her personal cellphone because of the video which went viral - but she remains unbothered by it.

“I stand by my decision. I would host them over and over again. He is my son and he brought me an in-law and I love them both.

“I have not violated anyone’s right. I hosted them in my house.

“So, I do not understand the whole commotion and policing of which guests to receive in my own home,” she declared.

She said, as seen in the video, she was happy when Immanuel informed her that he would visit and bring Wendelinus – a former Mr Gay Namibia - with him. She said she began to make preparations to receive them and invited her friends and neighbours to celebrate with her. Immanuel was left in her care after the death of his mother, she said.

Only God can judge

Makili said as a boy, Immanuel behaved like any of his male peers and it never occurred to her that he might be gay. However, life happens, she said, and her focus is to move forward.

“He did not behave like a gay [man]. He never warned me. He later went to live with his grandmother. Then maybe his life changed there.

“He reached out after getting married and I accepted it as it is,” Makili said.

She added that people have double standards and those saying nasty things to her and about the happy couple are not perfect or holy either.

“Why must we judge them? Only God can judge. Even those hiding behind Christianity do not comply with all the 10 commandments.

“Sin is sin. There are no levels to sin. Some people are hiding rapists and killers in their homes and men sodomising boys, but they want to point fingers to people who are living a genuine and legit life?

“Why are they angry about our life and a decision we made in our house and at our village? They must focus on their lives and make them better and leave other people alone,” she said.

Overjoyed

Wendelinus, who met his husband back in 2014, said he has been overwhelmed by the love and gifts he received from Makili and her family.

“They accepted our sexual orientation and adopted a positive attitude towards it, and that is the most important thing in our life,” he said.

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