Saima Johannes (71) beams with pride when she talks about the love she receives from her children – biological and those she took in over the years.
In a world where the elderly are often neglected by those they have raised, Johannes says she wants for nothing.
“Now that I’m a pensioner, I’m getting all the love back from these children, I hardly lack anything, because they always come and visit with gifts,” she says.
The retired hostel matron says you are only as old as you feel.
She says she believes in living a healthy life, avoiding alcohol and eating healthy.
Her home at Katutura’s Donkerhoek area is surrounded by fruit trees and various vegetables.
“I am a tailor and a chef. I am still active in both businesses, and keep myself busy at home. I do not only rely on my pension grant,” she says.
She has four children and 10 grandchildren.
Johannes’ grandson, Ndangi Kornelius (29), says he is proud to have Johannes as a grandmother, because she has taught him a lot.
“Most importantly, to be hardworking and respectful to everyone,” he says.
“I like visiting her, and I help her with the garden. It produces vegetables, which saves money,” he says.
Maria Haukongo (90) says her children have become her “mother” and they treat her like a queen.
“My children make sure I have all my needs met. They have renovated my home and visit me often” she says.
Haukongo, who has five children, says she feels fortunate and is content with her family.
“I am proud that my children and grandchildren have not deserted me.”
Haukongo lives with her 71-year-old sister and emphasises the importance of family bonds.
“We live together, and our bond is stronger than ever. My other siblings have died, and now I only have two siblings. We have to cherish one another while we can,” she says.
“The current era is so different compared to when we were growing up. Children nowadays are totally different,” Haukongo says.
The two women were among the pensioners who received blankets at an event organised by the Round Table Hochland 154 on Saturday.
Round Table volunteer Tega Shiimi ya Shiimi says the organisation earlier this year embarked on a campaign to raise up to about N$900 000 to cater for vulnerable communities across the country.
“The campaign involved the collection of blankets, clothes, cash, and food at Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Otjiwarongo in June” he says.
On Saturday about 100 pensioners each received a blanket from the organisation.
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