Government funding does not meet all needs

Much has been said about the Namibian government’s social grants not being sufficient to cater for the needs of the beneficiaries.

While this is true, the N$1,300 has, however, become the sole source of livelihood for people such as Cleofas Mutjira from Otjinene in the Omaheke Region, who suffers from glaucoma and whose life could have been more difficult had it not been for government social grants.

Mutjira worked as a builder for a private company in the Erongo Region. But at the age of 32, he lost his sight because of glaucoma. He eventually left the job and moved to Okakarara to stay with his mother, who too suffered from the same condition, nicknamed “The Silent Thief of Sight.”

Not wanting to burden his mother, Mutjari moved to Otjinene to stay with his brother, who worked as a security guard at a local school. Unfortunately,  his brother also lost his job. The government disability grant that Mutjari receives is their only source of income. Mutjira currently stays alone at a family house on the outskirts of Otjinene, while his brother is searching for a job at Gobabis, some 162 kilometers away.

While appreciating government social grants, he lacks the basics, such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities, and now relies on the neighbours assistance. While he has learned how to move around and perform minor activities, his pressing need is to see a psychologist. Otjinene Councillor Erwin Katjizeu acknowledged Mutjira’s case as his needs request reached his office.

“We have started the process; we have directed the local school to assist with water provision while he is still in that informal area up until he gets a very decent place, so as the leadership of the constituency, we have done a lot and are still in the process. You know, it’s really moving, but yes, he has been challenged.”

Katjizeu said a social worker will soon attend to Mutjira’s plea.