President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed concern over reports of misuse of old-age grants by some beneficiaries during a visit to the Ekoka San community settlement in the Ohangwena region.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the community to appreciate the government's efforts aimed at improving their living standards.

During the visit, President Nandi-Ndaitwah learned that some parents were hesitant to send their children to school, which contributed to high dropout rates among San learners.

Another issue unsettling to the president was that some community members allegedly sell the drought relief food they receive from the government and use the money to purchase alcohol.

"Alcohol addiction hinders our progress and does not contribute to our well-being or upliftment. Why do we want to continue working for others instead of producing for ourselves? The government has built those houses for you, but I saw some houses covered by long grass. Do you want the government to go and clean them for you? I was also informed that some beneficiaries of the old age pension grant are abusing it on alcohol. Why?"

She urged the community to be responsible and appreciate government interventions designed to improve their living conditions and create better opportunities for future generations.

At the same time, President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed satisfaction upon seeing children at the settlement attending school and taking their education seriously, saying they are striving to become productive citizens.

The Director of Regional Development Planning for Marginalised Communities in the Presidency, Thomas Puleinge, said the San community in Ohangwena benefits from various government support programmes.

These include fully funded accommodation and a monthly allowance of N$1,500 for students at institutions of higher learning.

Other services provided include support for burial services, assistance in obtaining national documents, and transportation for learners to and from schools during holidays.

Puleinge stated that these interventions aim to enhance the welfare of the San community and encourage their active involvement in Namibia's social and economic development.

Maria Jonas from the Ekoka San community settlement agrees.

"It is true that we abuse alcohol excessively. Secondly, our children do not want to go to school; the majority have dropped out in grade 8, and thereafter they have no longer been interested in going to school. If the way we abuse alcohol were the way we work for ourselves, we could have gone far."

During the visit, President Nandi-Ndaitwah also handed over food supplies to the San community.