Festus Hamalwa

ONGWEDIVA – A 27-year-old woman, who was employed as a security guard, said she left her job to take care of her grandmother, who is visually impaired and recuperating from a stroke. Elise Nekomba said she relocated her grandmother, Maria Mwaundjange (91), from the village to a shack at the Uupopo location in Ondangwa last December.

Nekomba, who also has a seven-month-old daughter, said it is not easy for her to take care of two people, particularly since she does not have a job.

She said her grandmother has not walked properly since last year when she had a stroke. “My grandmother was staying with my brother in the village. My brother went to school in Windhoek, and she was left alone,” narrated Nekomba.

She, therefore, decided to relocate to Ondangwa because her grandmother needs to stay close to the hospital. Nekomba said Mwaundjange’s social grant is not enough to cater to her needs.

“My grandmother wears nappies, since she does not walk properly. She goes to the hospital weekly, and she needs food and medication,” she added.

She describes this situation as the biggest challenge she is facing because she has nowhere to get money to buy nappies and food.

“I am now struggling to pay my monthly rent and water bills. I am worried about where to go with my grandmother if I don’t pay my rent,” she lamented.

Nekomba said life is tough for her but this will not discourage her from taking care of her grandmother. She expressed appreciation towards her grandmother, who took care of her when she was younger

“I grew up with my grandmother. She taught me everything in the house. She is the reason I completed my grade 12 because she used to support me.” 

Mwaundjange has six children, who are all unemployed. One of her sons, Ramolius Shipanga, said he is willing to assist his mother but he does not have any sources of income.

“I am still hustling, looking for a job so that I can start supporting my mother,” he added. Nekomba is appealing to good Samaritans to assist them with food and/or money. She can be reached on 0814450405.

- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na