As poverty and hardship persist, more children in Windhoek are being seen begging on the streets or selling goods instead of being in school.

Many parents, struggling to make ends meet, are resorting to this practice, which not only affects their children's education but also keeps them from taking part in recreational activities essential for their development.

The City of Windhoek issued a report on social media stating that parents who use or allow their children to sell or beg in public spaces will be charged a fine of one thousand dollars.

These illegal activities imposed on children by their parents often leave lifelong harmful effects on them, resigning them to a cycle of poverty.

This also leads to physiological damage, as it exposes them to shame, constant rejection, and humiliation, sometimes daily.

Section 234 of the Child Care and Protection Act states that forcing a child to perform labour or begging is likely to harm their health, safety, or morals, and therefore is deemed illegal.

It could potentially place the child's well-being, education, mental health, and social development at risk.

The City of Windhoek is urging all members of the public to report such incidents, as it is against the law.