Elderly man desperate to trace family

An elderly and frail Lesotho man, who has been in Namibia since 1978, is desperate to be reunited with his family. Elias Molise Malhibela, 77, currently lives in Henties Bay and was born in Maseru. He came to the then South-West Africa with his family from South Africa, who he worked for. His family returned to South Africa and he opted to stay behind. Over the years Malhibela worked as a handyman, at Rössing Uranium Mine and later he tried to eke a living by fishing. “It is heartbreaking to know that an old man is without a single relative, especially in the days of old days of old age. We want to desperately help him find his family. Yes, I think he will go back to Lesotho if offered the chance, knowing that family will welcome him back home,” said the chairperson of Henties Bay Silver Hair Committee, Walter Nel. Malhibela is registered with the organisation, which looks after elderly people. The organisation provides him with food. Nel said the elderly man previously lived in a shack, but was moved into a small house provided by the municipality. Nel said Malhibela’s received a donation for walking aid, because of a bent back. Additionally, he is being assisting him to secure old age pension, as well as a passport. His wife is Jemina Molise and his daughters are Sello, Egenes, Oriel and Lisbeth. Anyone information about how his family can be tracked down can contact Nel on 081 222 4729. WINDHOEK SELMA IKELA