They marched from the Khomasdal stadium to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare offices, where they handed over a petition to Labour Minister Alpheus !Naruseb.

Spokeswoman for the group, Roseline Dreyer, said statements made in Parliament by the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Marlene Mungunda, that senior citizens were receiving "endless benefits" including free healthcare, affordable housing and subsidised water were untrue and "most unfortunate".

Dreyer said the elderly were entitled to basic services such as food and accommodation as enshrined in the Constitution.

She said N$300 a month was not enough to live on, and demanded that Government increase the amount to N$700 next year.

The pensioners said Government should also offer them free hospitalisation, medical care, water and electricity.

Alfred Sternamnow (70) said most pensioners couldn't afford hospital fees.

He could not hide his frustration when he said: "Where do we get the money, given that we only get paid N$300?" His sentiments were shared by Elizabeth Devoss, who said municipal rates were far too high.

Even a frugal household had to cough up at least N$260 a month for water and electricity, she said.

Funeral costs and ambulance fees were also unaffordable for many, she said.

Another demonstrator, Maria Moss, said she realised that Government faced financial constraints, but authorities should get their priorities right and save money by curbing corruption.

"It's wrong.

How can you take money [meant] for the poor and misuse it like that? Something must be done.

Those people should be punished and be asked to pay back that money," Moss said.

She said the millions of dollars that were being wasted by corrupt officials should instead benefit the poor.

Minister !Naruseb said he would table the matter for discussion in Cabinet.

"We are painfully aware of the plight and hardships that our elderly people face.

We also come from families where our fathers solely rely on such pensions ...

we will do everything possible," he said.

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