At Havana informal settlement on the outskirts of Namibian capital Windhoek, 65 years old Gretta Johannes is surrounded by eight grandchildren aged 4-17. On a Wednesday afternoon, they all gathered for a meal. 
“The food items were donated to us by a good Samaritan in our neighborhood. It has been a struggle to make ends meet,” Johannes shared with Xinhua.
“I take care of all the children. I am their only support. It has been a challenge feeding them on 600 Namibian dollars (49 U.S. dollars) given that the household expenses and monthly bill for basic items is more than 1,000 Namibian dollars (82 U.S. dollars), ” Johannes said.
Therefore, the increment of the old-age pension from 600 to 1, 000 Namibian dollars ( 49-82 U.S. dollars) comes as good news to Johannes.
“I am happy that the government has increased our monthly pension allowance to 1,000 Namibian dollars (82 U.S. dollars). Now I can afford to cover hospital and medical,” said Johannes.
In an effort to eradicate poverty, the 67 billion Namibian dollars (5.56 billion U.S. dollars) budget for 2015/16 unveiled on 31 March by Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein had a strong focus on pro-poor and pro-growth.
According to Schlettwein, the old-age pension grant is increased by 400 Namibian dollars to 1,000 Namibian dollars per month. This will further be increased annually to reach 1,200 Namibian dollars(99 U.S. dollars) per month at the end of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework period.
Other social grants will be strengthened in coverage. This places our elderly above the national poverty line, which is estimated at 530 Namibian dollars per month.=
Johannes is not alone. In northern Namibia, Monica Kampala, aged 85, couldn’t be happier. “Ever since I started receiving pension in 2000, it has had a great impact socially and economically. My children and grandchildren have been able to access education, extra learning material, health care and social services which we would not have accessed my husband and I have been unemployed. We are subsistence farmers,” said Kampala.
“All in all, old-age pension has enhanced productivity of the young children and it continues to,” she said summarily. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
