President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah has expressed worry over the alleged misuse of old-age pension grants by some members of the Ekoka San community in the Ohangwena region. 

She said the practice undermines efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens. 

During a visit to the settlement over the weekend, the President was informed that some beneficiaries of the government-funded old-age grant spend a significant portion of their money on alcohol instead of using it to support their households and meet basic needs. 

“I was informed that some beneficiaries of the old-age pension grant are abusing it on alcohol. Alcohol addiction hinders our progress and does not contribute to our well-being or upliftment,” she stressed. 

The President said government continues to invest substantial resources in social protection programmes to support the elderly and disadvantaged communities, but such efforts can only have a meaningful impact if beneficiaries use the assistance responsibly. 

She urged residents to appreciate government interventions aimed at improving their living conditions and creating opportunities for future generations. ‘ 

The President added that self-discipline is critical to community development. 

“Why do we want to continue working for others instead of producing for ourselves? The government has built those houses for you, but I saw some houses covered by long grass. Do you want the government to go and clean them for you?” she questioned. 

Apart from concerns over grant misuse, Nandi-Ndaitwah also learned that some community members allegedly sell drought-relief food provided by government and use the proceeds to purchase alcohol. 

She described the situation as worrying, saying it defeats the purpose of assistance programmes designed to combat hunger and poverty. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah further expressed concern about the high dropout rate among San learners after being informed that some parents are reluctant to send their children to school despite educational support provided by government. 

“We are investing in the future of your children through education. They must remain in school and take advantage of the opportunities available to them,” she said. 

Director of regional development planning for marginalised communities in the Presidency, Thomas Puleinge, said the San community benefits from several government support programmes, including fully-funded accommodation and a monthly allowance of N$1 500 for students at tertiary institutions. 

Community member Maria Jonas acknowledged that alcohol abuse remains a challenge within the settlement. 

“It is true that we abuse alcohol excessively. If the way we abuse alcohol was the way we work for ourselves, we could have gone far,” she said. 

The President concluded her visit by handing over food supplies to the community. 

She encouraged residents to use government assistance responsibly to improve their livelihoods. 

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na