Auleria Wakudumo 

ONGWEDIVA – Long before the sun rises over Ongwediva’s dusty streets, Erastus Medusalem (61) is already on his feet, walking among thorn trees to collect seed pods to sell by the roadside. 

For him, it is not just about the extra cash but survival, restoring dignity and providing for his loved ones.  Medusalem wakes up around 05h00 every morning to prepare before setting out to collect pods.  This early start allows him to reach the trees while it is cool and quiet, ahead of others in the same trade. 

He believes that starting early helps him collect more pods before the heat takes its toll.  His target is the dry, brown pods that fall from the camel thorn trees scattered across Ongwediva.  “Even though I receive a pension grant, the money is not enough to take care of my family and cater to all my needs,” Medusalem said.  He is a father of six, with his youngest son still in grade 9.

 He is also a grandfather to six grandchildren.  “I also live with my elderly mother, who is 91 years old,” he shared. 

Although she also receives a pension grant, she requires special care. 

He said prices of commodities have shot through the roof, making it hard for him to meet his needs. 

Medusalem hails from Onghulumbashe village in the Omusati region.

 He temporarily relocated to Ongwediva after noticing the abundance of camel thorn trees in the town that produce the pods he collects and sells. 

These pods are in demand, as they are often used by farmers as animal feed. 

The pensioner said that although some of his children are now grown and have moved to Windhoek in search of better job opportunities, they are still struggling to find reliable employment. 

“Most of them do not have steady jobs, so I continue to send them money when I can,” he said. 

Medusalem spends many hours walking around, collecting pods from different camel thorn trees. 

After gathering them, he stores the pods under a tree near the road so that his customers can easily spot them. 

On a good day, he earns between N$350 and N$400 from his sales. 

The income depends on how many pods he collects and what customers are willing to pay. 

He recalled that on his first day selling, he made N$320 from 10 bags of pods. 

However, business is not always steady.

He said there are times when he goes for two to three weeks without making a single sale. 

“Sometimes, you just have to accept what the customer gives you because you want to go home with something in your hands,” he said. 

Despite the physical demand and unpredictability of the work, Medusalem keeps going. 

His determination shows how many Namibian pensioners continue to work hard in old age to support their families and meet daily needs.  

“I cannot depend on my pension money alone. That is why I do whatever I can to earn some extra cash,” he added. 

-wakudumoauleria@gmail.com