Non-registered residents of Keetmans flock to food bank

KEETMANSHOOP – Although they were not registered to benefit from the government's food bank program, many residents of Keetmanshoop flocked to the bank yesterday hoping to get their hands on some of the food items.

The street committee members worked hard to distribute food for November and December, each recipient receiving two bags of cornmeal and a package containing basic food items such as cooking oil, sugar , canned fish and flour.
But while many were happy to have received food, some were also disappointed, claiming that it was unfair not to receive food while they were also unemployed and hit by the poverty, like those who have been registered as beneficiaries.

Daniel Topnaar, 45, told New Era that he had heard that people were getting food and had rushed to the WAD center so he could also fetch food for his family because they had nothing to eat at home, adding that his life had been hard family since he stopped working three months ago.

Topnaar stated that he was the only one to earn bread and that he had to take care of his wife and four children, who accompanied him to Keetmanshoop's informal reception, but he added that it was difficult to put bread on the table because it was no longer working. Unfortunately, his family was never enrolled in the food bank program.

"I have been unemployed for three months now, I had been working on a contract, it was finished and I am now sitting at home, I do not understand why I should not have this food, I am as poor as these people So I do not understand why they did not register my wife despite their visit to our cabin. It's not fair, we all need food, we're all poor, "he said.

Another resident, Clanks Haman (30), also expressed his frustration about the impossibility of getting food because it was not registered, stating that it did not include not the requirements followed, pointing out that as a young unemployed for two years. it's hard to make ends meet.
He also questioned the fairness of the registration process.

"How can I not qualify? I have been unemployed for too long, it is difficult to have something to eat, let those who register us treat us in the same way and without favoritism towards certain people, "he said.

A government representative, Wilma Dirk, presents on the site, told New Era that it was common for unregistered people to show up and ask for food, but that it is unfortunate that they are not happy. they are refused because only registered people are supported, registered can only register next year.

"Some unregistered people also come when we distribute food parcels, but unfortunately we can only give to registered people," she said.
About 229 registered beneficiaries received their food.

Matheus Hamutenya
2018-11-27 09:37:04 16 hours ago