Mallex Shipanga
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) payout for the elderly for November and December has been paid earlier this month.
Pensioners received a total payout of N$2 800, which was supposed to sustain them until the next payout at the beginning of January 2025.
Many complained that they had already spent the money, leaving them with nothing for the festive season.
Ndeuomono Shikonda (77) from Walvis Bay is one of the many pensioners affected by the combined pension payout.
“It (the pension) is already finished,” she said.
She spent the majority of her pension money on electricity and water and the remaining amount on food.
Her pension has to support her two unemployed children and 4 grandchildren.
“We want it separated, or else people suffer because money is like a visitor. It comes and goes. We are used to little money and we can manoeuvre around it if paid out in November and December,” she added.
Susana Goagoses (64) from Rehoboth is another pensioner who is facing challenges with the combined pension payout.
Goagoses explained that, because the cost of living is so high, she spent most of her pension on food combos and water.
“I am left with pennies for electricity, which will not last until December,” she said.
Petrina Johannes (64) spends her days under the tree hoping for rain in her homestead at Ohaingu village in the Ohangwena region.
She used her money to purchase food supplies and hire a tractor to till her mahangu field.
“I want it (the pension) to be paid every month, or else we are in trouble,” she continued.
According to her, the N$1 400 monthly pension is not enough.
She also agrees with other pensioners that they would prefer to receive their pension on a monthly basis, even as the year draws to a close.
Lukas Haufiku, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, said the November and December payments always go as one payment.
“There has been no need for review, because no one has ever complained,” Haufiku continued.
About 500 Namibian pensioners on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant have received their November pension payout of R2 190 (for those aged 60 and older) and R2 210 (for those aged 75 and older).
SASSA assured that these pensioners will receive their next payment on time by 3 December.
SASSA also announced that their beneficiaries may see an increase in their grants, with an anticipated increase of R100 in April 2025 for pensioners, people with disabilities, and war veterans.
The agency advised their beneficiaries to manage their finances wisely as well as seek assistance from SASSA offices.
