Maria David
ELDERLY people are the backbone of any society, and they deserve respect, love, and the security of knowing their basic needs are met.
This was according to Ompundja Constituency Councillor Adolf Uunona, who was speaking during a community engagement with residents of Okaku Kiipupu on Wednesday.
According to Uunona, the elders are the ones who look after many of the children left in their care, nurture homes, and feed those in their care.
“Yet, a distressing reality is increasingly prevalent in our community: grandparent social grants are taken away, leaving our most vulnerable citizens in precarious situations,” he said.
He added that social grants, particularly old-age pensions, are a vital lifeline for many elderly Namibians and, by extension, the households they support.
Uunona stressed that these funds are intended to provide essential sustenance – for food, healthcare, and shelter – ensuring a dignified life for those who have contributed to society for decades.
“The grants are frequently diverted, misused, or outright stolen, often by those closest to the beneficiaries,” he added.
He said that the perpetrators of this financial abuse are often family members, including children and grandchildren.
Uunona also touched on issues related to drug abuse within the community, urging the youth to stay far from drugs.
He indicated that many of the youth have become victims of drugs, and have seen many young people lose their life vision because of them.
Another pressing matter Uunona touched on was the issue of stock theft.
“If the livestock is not yours, leave it. Do not desire what you don’t have,” he concluded.
