Soaring numbers of desperate pensioners

Various stakeholders, who attended a public hearing in the Oshana Region, have supported a motion in favour of the construction of old-age homes, saying there is a need for the neglected elderly to be taken care of properly.The public hearing, which took place at the Oshana Regional Office, was part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development and Family Affairs’ visits to all 14 regions.The event was attended by businesspeople, a few pensioners, social workers and other members of the local community.The countrywide public hearings follow the second reading of the motion on old-age homes, which was originally tabled by parliamentarian Elma Dienda in the National Assembly on 26 June 2015. The motion was referred to the parliamentary standing committee for further consultations with stakeholders, and so it could report back to the National Assembly.On 25 April, the standing committee decided to visit old-age homes in Ohangwena, Kunene, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto.According to the standing’s committee’s deputy chairperson to Gotthard Kasuto, the purpose of the discussions was for the committee to familiarise themselves with the issue of old-age homes in the regions.Kasuto was, however, shocked to find that there is no old-age home in the Oshana Region.He also added that when they visited Tsumeb in Oshikoto Region, one of the two old-age homes in the town was not up to the standard.Kasuto said in Ohangwena Region, they visited Eenhana, where there was no old-age home.They also observed elderly people living in extreme poverty, with no one to take care of them.“These are the reasons we came to the people, to listen to them and then report back to Windhoek,” he said.The issue of it being seen as a cultural taboo, for elders to be placed in an old-age home, was also raised.An elderly man in his early 80s said that the world is changing, adding that in the past the issue of old-age homes would not have been entertained, but people now have to accept this reality.“We have our children that love us still, and don’t want to see us suffer, but because they work in distant towns and other countries, we are only left with grandchildren who cannot offer us much really.“At least at an old-age home, you will be taken care of by the nurses and eat nutritious meals, which is the treatment most of the elderly currently do not receive,” the pensioner said.Social workers also welcomed the motion, and said the construction of old-age homes will be a blessing to the region.KENYA KAMBOWE

Soaring numbers of desperate pensioners

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-19

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Soaring numbers of desperate pensioners

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-19

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