Senior citizens whose government social grant is their only source of income continue to bear the burden of caring for family members. 

However, the household of Kapango Kapango, a resident of Fumbe Village in the Kavango East Region, is worse off than many others and is in a sorry state.

Kapango lives with her son, daughter, and seven grandchildren. They originally lived in Muroro Village but relocated to Fumbe along the Kavango River to pursue crop farming. After Kapango became ill and lost her fingers, she was forced to stop farming. The family now depends solely on her social grant.

"We are hungry, and I am tired of the hunger; we have nothing to eat. You can even see where we sleep. My house burnt down last year, and now I don't have anything," said Kapango.

While Kapango has received her national documents, the rest of the family has yet to be assisted.

Izabel Nongava, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Gender Equality, said, "I was informed that the two children of the elderly woman, along with the seven grandchildren, still do not have documents. We continuously follow up to ensure that all the children get their national documents and are added to the grants."

Villagers have, however, raised concerns that Kapango's daughter destroys the family's belongings, suspecting she may be struggling with mental health issues.

Kudumo Andreas, a member of the Village Development Committee, explained, "They face serious poverty. Many times, we try to help. We have even written letters to seek assistance for them. Some Good Samaritans donated items, but the daughter destroyed everything. Social workers brought mattresses, food items, and water buckets, but whenever the daughter has a disagreement with her mother, she damages those as well. She even takes the old age grant."

Andreas is pleading with Good Samaritans to assist in any way possible, especially with proper shelter, as the rainy season is approaching.