The government's social grant has become a lifesaver for many households, particularly those headed by senior citizens.

Magdalena Petrus, 90, of Windhoek's Havana Informal Settlement, was able to put food on the table for her family of over ten people as a result of this.

Petrus had six children, two of whom are deceased, and 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She only has a government social grant of N$1,200, and it is impossible for her to make ends meet.

There isn't enough food for an everyday meal, something that is visibly taking a toll on the children, such as the four-year-old Tangeni.

The living conditions also need some adjustments, as Petrus has, for the love of her grandchildren, given up her bed to sleep on the floor.

Of all the people in the household, Petrus is the only one who has national identity documents. 

The rest are without and have no idea what their ages are or where their children's fathers are.

Ndapewa Nghiyalasha, who has children with one of Petrus' grandsons, tried to trace them, but with no success.

"The situation at this house is very bad because I am not from this family and I am just helping out because this is my boyfriend's family. They desperately need assistance, especially Mekulu, because there is no mattress where she sleeps. She gave her mattress to the kids, and now she sleeps on the floor."

Some good Samaritans tried to come to their rescue, but the need for food, not to mention other basic needs, was just too mammoth a task.

Should the status quo remain, the 90-year-old Petrus will sadly continue to make the sacrifices on her own.