MPs concerned about children’s grants

BARTHOLOMEUS Shangheta, a Swapo MP in the National Council, has called on the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to monitor whether social grants actually reach orphans and vulnerable children.

Shangheta, speaking during debate on the N$183,8 million allocated to this Ministry in the 2007/2008 Budget, said he was concerned about whether these grants were really benefiting the children. “I am wondering as to whether there are enough and effective monitoring mechanisms …Therefore, I recommend to the Ministry concerned to put in place proper monitoring mechanisms …” said Shangheta.He said children were the backbone and future leaders of any given country and Namibia was no exception.Shangheta also reminded Namibian adults that it was their responsibility to make sure that their children complete their primary, secondary and tertiary education.He then castigated men who rape women and children, saying they were suffering from an incurable disease.”I am disappointed that Khomas has the highest number of [rape] cases reported, followed by Ohangwena.I however want to thank the Caprivi Region, which has the lowest number of reported cases, according to the 2002 – 2005 statistics of rape cases per region,” said Shangheta.He called for the establishment of a commission on inquiry to look into the root causes of rape and the dumping of babies.Swapo MP John Nakwafila said he was concerned that social grants were not reaching needy children but ending up in the pockets of their guardians instead.”Instead of buying food and school uniforms, they use the money to buy alcoholic drinks,” said Nakwafila.”To quench their thirst, of course,” Swapo Chief Whip in the House, Johnny Hakaye, quipped.He also called for mechanisms to make sure that orphans and vulnerable children benefit from social grants.”I am wondering as to whether there are enough and effective monitoring mechanisms …Therefore, I recommend to the Ministry concerned to put in place proper monitoring mechanisms …” said Shangheta.He said children were the backbone and future leaders of any given country and Namibia was no exception.Shangheta also reminded Namibian adults that it was their responsibility to make sure that their children complete their primary, secondary and tertiary education.He then castigated men who rape women and children, saying they were suffering from an incurable disease.”I am disappointed that Khomas has the highest number of [rape] cases reported, followed by Ohangwena.I however want to thank the Caprivi Region, which has the lowest number of reported cases, according to the 2002 – 2005 statistics of rape cases per region,” said Shangheta.He called for the establishment of a commission on inquiry to look into the root causes of rape and the dumping of babies.Swapo MP John Nakwafila said he was concerned that social grants were not reaching needy children but ending up in the pockets of their guardians instead.”Instead of buying food and school uniforms, they use the money to buy alcoholic drinks,” said Nakwafila.”To quench their thirst, of course,” Swapo Chief Whip in the House, Johnny Hakaye, quipped.He also called for mechanisms to make sure that orphans and vulnerable children benefit from social grants.