An unemployed couple from the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek, Namibia, has been facing significant challenges in providing for their six-week-old triplets. Ester Nghipewa, 28, and her partner Hepali Hetwali, 29, say they are struggling to meet basic needs for their newborns and themselves.

The triplets, born prematurely at Windhoek Central Hospital on 18 February, require specialized care, including formula milk, due to Nghipewa’s inability to produce breastmilk on an empty stomach. However, without employment, the couple cannot afford the essentials like groceries, nappies, clothes, or baby formula.
While biphakathi has stretched his hands a usually, donated 50k Rands in cash and sime kitchen utensils for the couple to cope up and try to nurse their triplets, however fans and netizens were not happy and felt they wanted the donation to be kept in South Africa, and not beyond boarders

 

 
“I moved to Windhoek in 2018 to pursue studies in nursing,” Nghipewa explained. “But it’s challenging to breastfeed when there’s not enough food.” Despite her attempts to secure support, she and Hetwali remain in a precarious situation. Hetwali, formerly employed as a painter on a construction site, lost his job when his contract ended and is struggling to find new work. He’s willing to take on any manual job to support his family.

The couple has a two-year-old in addition to the triplets, but none of the children are yet receiving social grants. Although they applied for support at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, they were told their first payout would only come in July.

In the meantime, the couple relies on the generosity of neighbors and friends. They live in a friend’s shack, with neighbors sharing meals when possible. Laimi Tindu, a neighbor, noted, “They have been blessed with triplets, but providing for them has been a struggle. I share some meals with them when I can, and we help each other with other necessities.”

Stephanus Ndengu, the Moses Garoëb constituency councillor, said the couple visited his office seeking assistance. He provided them with some groceries and offered to draft a letter seeking further aid. He is calling on the public to assist the couple during this difficult time.

Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, was not aware of the couple’s case but emphasized that multiple birth cases are usually prioritized for social grants. She directed inquiries to the director of child welfare to ensure that the ministry attends to the family as soon as possible.

Despite these efforts, Nghipewa and Hetwali remain in a precarious position. They are hopeful for assistance from the public and are eager to find ways to create a more stable environment for their children.