A destitute mother of five in Sauyemwa, an informal settlement west of Rundu, is calling on good Samaritans to come to her aid.

Siyapa Maria Mayanga, a 37-year-old single mother, moved from Kayeura Village in the Kavango West Region to Rundu in search of a job after both her parents died.

Mayanga only relies on collecting bottles to sell to buy food for her kids, and at times she has to beg for food when she does laundry or cleans yards for the people in the settlement.

"I don't have a job, so I go to Cash and Carry and help customers carry their shopping bags; I get $15 if I carry a crate of beer or cool drink boxes; I buy bread for my kids with the money I get; and if I get enough money, I buy a 5 kg of maize meal; I really try to provide for my kids."

Mayanga says that she does not get support from the father of her kids, who is suffering from a mental illness, as well as her family members.

She was also unable to register for a social grant because she had only recently obtained her identification document with the assistance of her aunt.

"I really need help, please, even if it's just my house that they can fix for me or if they can give us food. I really do try to provide for my kids. I am asking those who know the procedures to help me register for a social grant. Even if it's my school-going child, they can help."

Mayanga's firstborn child is twelve years old, and she is in grade four, while her youngest child is seven months old.