SWANU of Namibia has been observing with considerable concern the situation in which our pensioners find themselves, particularly during paydays. We have been observing that pensioners and others who are entitled to payouts are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Having to stand in long queues under the burning sun, and/or in the cold, or in the rain is not acceptable.
Swanu is seriously concerned about this observation which is valid countrywide. The situation in Windhoek is a case in point. The pensioners’ payday at Katutura Old Age Home and at the Katutura Post Office is particularly worrisome to us.
Therefore, the humble servant, Usutuaije Maamberua would like to observe that pensioners have enormously contributed to the development of this country and certainly have endured the toughest experience in bygone years.
Our exhortation to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Municipality of Windhoek and United Africa Company is that we want to see the pensioners during paydays, specifically at the two stated pay points, receive their money under a decent shade and seated on appropriate chairs.
As we have assured the pensioners last year, that early this year SWANU shall initiate a public debate on the optimal and decent package you deserve including of course your basic living conditions, and we shall indeed soon extend an invitation to all political parties and other stakeholders in Namibia to map out proposals that could be presented to Government in order to address your plight.
You definitely deserve better than the meager N$370 you presently receive monthly. A basket of basic necessities of life including foodstuffs is certainly many times what you are getting currently.
Usutuaije Maamberua
President of SWANU
By order: Political Bureau of the Central Committee