ONGWEDIVA – Pensioners in northern Namibia said they are worried about whether their pension grant will still be increased since the late president has died.
They described Geingob as a true leader who always wanted to improve the livelihood of the pensioners.
Therefore, they have expressed their appreciation for what Geingob did for them during his tenure.
This year, Geingob, in his New Year’s speech, expressed his intention to raise the old-age pension grant to N$2 000 “or even N$3 000” before leaving office.
Under Geingob’s reign, the government has increased the old-age pension grant from N$600 in 2016 to the current N$1 400, drawing significant attention to the matter.
Pensioners who spoke to New Era yesterday, said they hope the new president is going to fulfil what has been promised by Geingob.
They said under Geingob’s tenure, they constantly enjoyed the increments because he was not a stingy man.
Maria Ochurus (69) a resident of Tsumeb, said Geingob’s death is a big loss to all pensioners because he was one of the presidents who cared about the elderly.
“We are heartbroken. We lost a kind-hearted man. A true leader who showed a fondness for the elderly,” she stressed.
Another pensioner, Natalia Sheefeni (82) from Okatope village said she had never seen a caring president who loves the elderly like Geingob.
She described Geingob as a man who was always committed to ensuring that the elderly have eaten something before going to bed.
“Before he became president, we used to receive N$600 social grants and it wasn’t enough to sustain our livelihood. Today, we receive N$1 400 social grants because of him. Without Geingob this wouldn’t have been done,” Sheefeni expressed her gratitude.
Furthermore, she said that with N$1 400, she is now able to support her 14 grandchildren and also pay for the tractor in order to plough the field.
Also speaking to our publication, Efraim Weyulu, a senior headman in the Eenhana district, said Geingob was a true leader who changed their lives.
“We lost a leader who always wanted Namibians to enjoy the country’s resources. He was for everyone, he aimed to keep us happy, especially the elderly when he said he would increase our pension grant,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rita van Rooyen (72) a Tsumeb resident, said during the period she used to receive N$600, she was unable to support her 12 grandchildren because the money was little.
“Now I can afford to buy 50kg of maize. I can pay for water and electricity bills because N$1 400 is a lot. We appreciate Geingob,” she added.