Desperate for work
Relying on government for food
Two San men who were forced to drop out of school at a young age due to a lack of financial support are hopeful of finding jobs in order to support their families.
After dropping out of school in the fourth grade, two men from a San community in the Kavango East Region, aged 19 and 22, say they are desperate for work as they no longer want to rely solely on government handouts.
With only limited education, Bartholomeus Ntjamba and Thomas Mwila, who live in Mupapama village, are eager to secure jobs to support themselves and their families.
Living alongside a group of about 30 people, Ntjamba and Mwila depend on food provided by government for their survival.
Obtaining clothing and other essential items remains a challenge for the pair.
Leaving school
Ntjamba and Mwila explained that they were forced to drop out of school at a young age.
Their families were unable to meet the costly demands – school supplies, and other necessities – to continue with their education.
"I had to quit school because there was no support. One needs a school uniform, school shoes and stationery, and there was no support. We are already a marginalised group; hence, the pressure with the lack of support was just too much," Ntjamba said.
Mwila echoed similar reasons for his decision to discontinue his education.
"School was great; at least I learned how to read and write, but I had to quit because of the lack of support," Mwila said.
Seeking employment
Ntjamba and Mwila emphasised their eagerness and willingness to learn and undertake any kind of job, despite their limited education.
However, they said they refuse to be cattle herders because farmers exploit workers and only pay very low wages.
"There is nothing wrong with being a cattle herder, but these farmers are paying people N$600 to N$800 a month. With the price of commodities these days, that money does not make sense. Any job paying N$1 000 and more is considerable," Ntjamba explained.
They said they are willing and able to work anywhere in the country if a good Samaritan decides to give them a job.
No handouts
The pair stressed that they appreciate the government's support but are of the view that more can be done.
"Had it not been for the government to provide our families with food, we would struggle and die of hunger. However, the government must not only look at our health but also at developing our community. We cannot remain a poor community in society. We are all Namibians, and we need to be treated the same," Mwila explained.
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With only limited education, Bartholomeus Ntjamba and Thomas Mwila, who live in Mupapama village, are eager to secure jobs to support themselves and their families.
Living alongside a group of about 30 people, Ntjamba and Mwila depend on food provided by government for their survival.
Obtaining clothing and other essential items remains a challenge for the pair.
Leaving school
Ntjamba and Mwila explained that they were forced to drop out of school at a young age.
Their families were unable to meet the costly demands – school supplies, and other necessities – to continue with their education.
"I had to quit school because there was no support. One needs a school uniform, school shoes and stationery, and there was no support. We are already a marginalised group; hence, the pressure with the lack of support was just too much," Ntjamba said.
Mwila echoed similar reasons for his decision to discontinue his education.
"School was great; at least I learned how to read and write, but I had to quit because of the lack of support," Mwila said.
Seeking employment
Ntjamba and Mwila emphasised their eagerness and willingness to learn and undertake any kind of job, despite their limited education.
However, they said they refuse to be cattle herders because farmers exploit workers and only pay very low wages.
"There is nothing wrong with being a cattle herder, but these farmers are paying people N$600 to N$800 a month. With the price of commodities these days, that money does not make sense. Any job paying N$1 000 and more is considerable," Ntjamba explained.
They said they are willing and able to work anywhere in the country if a good Samaritan decides to give them a job.
No handouts
The pair stressed that they appreciate the government's support but are of the view that more can be done.
"Had it not been for the government to provide our families with food, we would struggle and die of hunger. However, the government must not only look at our health but also at developing our community. We cannot remain a poor community in society. We are all Namibians, and we need to be treated the same," Mwila explained.
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