Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The Social Security Commission’s (SSC) staff members from the Central Business District (CBD)  office recently donated goods worth N$4 000 to the mother of a six-month-old baby girl who was born with a chronic medical condition.

This medical condition requires her to be on oxygen at home.

The baby’s mother, Peneyambeko Mateus, who is unemployed, faces several financial and social challenges.

Additionally, Mateus does not have a stable home, and is the primary caretaker of the baby.

Among others, the family needs support to construct a new structure, as well as financial assistance to buy nappies and formula milk every month to aid in improving the health and well-being of the child. 

It is against this background that the SSC staff donated goods to the mother.

Christoph Vehonga Hangero, SSC Regional Compliance Officer for Khomas region, told
New Era that they learnt about the condition through a letter written by the Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s Social Welfare Services section regarding the mother and her baby’s predicament. 

“We responded to the call, raised money among ourselves and bought her some needed groceries,” he said.

Hangero said it is always good to share the little you have and save lives.

“We must promote the culture of giving and meet government halfway. Sharing is caring, and I believe what we contributed will make a difference to the family,” he said.

The compliance officer further applauded fellow staff for their sincere gratitude and outstanding efforts in the plight of the Mateus family. 

“It is vital for us as individuals to cultivate a culture that prioritises the enhancement of others’ lives,” he said.

Receiving the donation, Mateus expressed gratitude for the gesture and the kind assistance.

“I am happy about this, it means a lot for me and the baby,” said an unemployed mother who currently stays in Gambia Street, Havana, on the outskirts of Windhoek.