Uis — About 150 senior citizens 'stormed' the Uis Community Hall on Wednesday to receive a 'handout' from the Erongo Regional Council, which was jointly sponsored by local businesses.

The handout comprised of a mattresses, a portable radio (with battery), and groceries that included mielie-meal, sugar, cooking-oil, canned pilchards in tomato sauce, and tea. A consignment of blankets was also supposed to be delivered, but that can only come at a later stage, but will also make up part of the handout - all worth about N$72 000. Namclay and Pavers sponsored the groceries, while the main sponsor was Alexander Forbes Namibia.

The interest was so great that some younger than 60 years (even if they were disabled) had to be shown the door. In one case, the police were called in to remove a 64-year old woman who was disruptively vocal in her appreciation. Fortunately for her, she was calmed by her peers and so was permitted to remain for the rest of the event.

Although the event was considered by some to be a 'rally campaign' by Swapo's Daures Constituency Councillor, Ernst Katjiku (the first Swapo member to take the constituency from the United Democratic Front since Independence), Katjiku rather described it as a "small token of appreciation of the contribution made by the elders in their youthful days - sacrificing their youth to nurture us".

He said that the donation would not just be limited to Uis, but would be replicated to all other communities in the rural constituency.

He also used the opportunity to share some of the developments taking place in the community.

Chief of the Daure Daman Traditional Authority, Elias Thaniseb, thanked the regional council for their assistance, and warned the recipients not to take the goods and sell them for cash.

"I know all the senior citizens in the region. I move around a lot. If I see that the goods have been sold, you will be punished," he warned.