The business community of Swakopmund is unhappy with beggars and homeless people in the town, saying they are harassing tourists and scaring away potential investors.

Residents addressed a safety interaction meeting at Swakopmund.

Also speaking at the occasion was the town's mayor, Dina Namubes, who says she is aware of the various challenges faced by the community and the factors leading to them.

"Recent studies indicate an increase in the number of beggars and street children. According to reports, this group of beggars and street kids is also committing crimes. We are becoming what we are as a result of situations that have roots like unemployment, parent deaths leaving children homeless, trauma, low self-esteem, and losing human dignity, as I stated in my introduction. This is indeed worrisome, and we need to fast-track the implementation of the solutions in order to curb the increase and further damage."

The nbc News team caught up with 23-year-old Ronaldo !Gaoseb, who trudges the streets of Swakopmund.

"When I get up in the morning, I go stand there, I stand there to zula at the whites, and I always ask for dollars so that I can buy sugar, java, and bread, which I set out in the open and eat just like that," he tells us.

He further explains that he does his begging in a polite manner.

"When I meet the whites, I always greet them. I say, How are you, Sir? With me, it's going well. Jah, Sir, I am sorry to disturb you, but can we talk? I have a problem with my daughters. Can you help me with food? I don't have food at home. You can help me with anything, so if he gives me N$200, I buy myself food. That's how I get my income."