An amount of N$1,600 might be someone's savings, but for 77-year-old Frans Geiseb, from Omatako Village in Otjozondjupa Region, the monthly old-age pension grant is more than a personal lifeline.

It is the only source of income sustaining a household of about 25 family members.

Geiseb speaks softly and calmly, with no trace of anger, despite the hardship he is enduring.

His quiet honesty and resilience tell the story of a man who has accepted the challenges of life and continues to do everything to care for his family.

Geiseb's household includes his children, sisters, and grandchildren.

He stated that the family survives solely on his pension grant and food assistance provided through the government's San Feeding Programme.

"This pension grant is not enough. All the people you see here depend on it to survive. As I sit here, I have taken food on credit from local shops. Once I receive my pension, I have to repay everything, and then I am left with nothing."

Once the food supplies are exhausted, the family has no choice but to rely on foraging for food, as most of the younger members of the household are unemployed and unable to contribute financially.

Also living in the household is Dixgao Sprinkaan, who said she is about 60 years old but has been unable to access an old-age pension because the date of birth on her national identity document is incorrect.

"I don't receive a pension, as you can see. If I had gone to school, I could have corrected my age myself. I also don't have anyone close to me who could have helped me."

According to the date of birth on her national identity document, Sprinkaan will only turn 60 next year.

Sprinkaan is hopeful that once she reaches the qualifying age, she will be able to register for her monthly pension.