Namibians rally to help Rundu mum

The life of a single Rundu mother took a dramatic turn this week after an outpouring of public support brought her groceries, clothes, two job opportunities and government assistance to secure official documents for her children.Martha Ndjamba (33) came to public attention last week when Namibian Sun published a brief report about her on social media. A photograph showed the mother of four walking with her four-month-old daughter strapped to her back, carrying large bags stuffed with discarded cans to sell at a local scrap yard.She told Namibian Sun at the time that she walks an average of seven kilometres each day to collect empty cans to support her family and ailing father.Ndjamba, who left school in Grade 3, said the father of her children had left her to raise them alone, leaving her responsible for meeting their daily needs. She also covers school costs for two of her children.“Everything has been on my shoulders. I have to think about my children, my father and where our next meal will come from,” she said.She said she starts collecting recyclable materials early in the morning and continues until lunchtime before selling them at recycling outlets or scrap yards.“The load I was pictured carrying earns me around N$40 to N$50,” she said.She said she had often considered returning to school but could not because of her father's condition. He was bitten by a snake and requires full-time care.Strangers step upSince her story was published, several members of the public have contributed clothes, a cellphone and essential goods. Good Samaritans from Windhoek sent clothes for Ndjamba and her children by courier.She has secured two jobs that she hopes will provide a more reliable income, and started the first on Monday.Rundu resident Reinhard Moyo donated groceries worth N$2 000 after reading about Ndjamba.“Life is already difficult as it is, and it was heartbreaking to learn that she has to work so hard just to put food on the table for her family. I felt that the least I could do was reach out and offer a little help with groceries and basic necessities,” Moyo said.He said he hoped the donation would make life a little easier for Ndjamba and her children, even if only temporarily.Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu donated N$5 000 in cash.The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has stepped in to help facilitate the registration of her two undocumented children, addressing a challenge that could affect their access to essential services.“I want my children to have a better life. I am thankful to everyone who has helped us,” Ndjamba said.

Namibians rally to help Rundu mum

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-28

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Namibians rally to help Rundu mum

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-28

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