Mixed reactions to pension increase
The decision by the government to increase old-age pensions by N$50 has been met with mixed reactions.
Finance minister Calle Schlettwein on Wednesday announced the increase when he tabled the 2018/19 national budget in the National Assembly.
The N$50 increase will result in those who are 60 years or older receiving a monthly grant of N$1 250.
An Oshakati pensioner, Paulina Hamunyela, welcomed the increase, but was quick to point out that it was not enough to sustain the four grandchildren in her care.
The 74-year-old said three of the four grandchildren are orphans and are at boarding schools. The other grandchild is enrolled at a vocational training school in Gobabis.
“It is good that government increased the pension grant but to me it is not something I would celebrate,” she said.
“This is not because I am ungrateful but I strongly believe in the word of God, which has given me the strength all these years to work hard and not be accustomed to handouts,” Hamunyela said.
Hamunyela said despite the government having introduced free education, parents and guardians still need to play a role in terms of buying school uniforms and study materials, which don't come cheap.
“If you look at my situation, I have grandchildren in boarding schools and every time they come for out-weekend I have to pay for their transport as well as give them pocket money when they return to the hostel because they do not eat that day.
“That is why I am not sitting at home waiting for the pension grant, I am here doing business,” said Hamunyela.
The pensioner tries to complement her monthly pension by selling religious books and health products.
Thomas Johannes from Okahao said he couldn't believe that his pension would go up N$50. He didn't expect this, given the state of the economy.
“I cannot believe this because all along we have been hearing on the radio and reading in the newspapers that the government is broke. If this is really the case that government increased our pension grant, I am happy,” Johannes said.
He urged fellow pensioners to use their monthly grants to look after themselves and ensure that the money is put to good use.
“I have heard of pensioners drinking their money away, which is not good. Save your money if you don't need it, you never know what challenge you will face in the future.”
KENYA KAMBOWE
Finance minister Calle Schlettwein on Wednesday announced the increase when he tabled the 2018/19 national budget in the National Assembly.
The N$50 increase will result in those who are 60 years or older receiving a monthly grant of N$1 250.
An Oshakati pensioner, Paulina Hamunyela, welcomed the increase, but was quick to point out that it was not enough to sustain the four grandchildren in her care.
The 74-year-old said three of the four grandchildren are orphans and are at boarding schools. The other grandchild is enrolled at a vocational training school in Gobabis.
“It is good that government increased the pension grant but to me it is not something I would celebrate,” she said.
“This is not because I am ungrateful but I strongly believe in the word of God, which has given me the strength all these years to work hard and not be accustomed to handouts,” Hamunyela said.
Hamunyela said despite the government having introduced free education, parents and guardians still need to play a role in terms of buying school uniforms and study materials, which don't come cheap.
“If you look at my situation, I have grandchildren in boarding schools and every time they come for out-weekend I have to pay for their transport as well as give them pocket money when they return to the hostel because they do not eat that day.
“That is why I am not sitting at home waiting for the pension grant, I am here doing business,” said Hamunyela.
The pensioner tries to complement her monthly pension by selling religious books and health products.
Thomas Johannes from Okahao said he couldn't believe that his pension would go up N$50. He didn't expect this, given the state of the economy.
“I cannot believe this because all along we have been hearing on the radio and reading in the newspapers that the government is broke. If this is really the case that government increased our pension grant, I am happy,” Johannes said.
He urged fellow pensioners to use their monthly grants to look after themselves and ensure that the money is put to good use.
“I have heard of pensioners drinking their money away, which is not good. Save your money if you don't need it, you never know what challenge you will face in the future.”
KENYA KAMBOWE
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article