'Don't give beggars money' municipality implores

Claudia Reiter
The City of Windhoek implores the public not to give money to people begging on the streets, as such actions further encourage street begging and keep people trapped in a cycle of poverty.
According to the media statement by the City, it says it has observed a worrying increase in the number of children begging on the streets of Windhoek, adding that children begging is a complex problem that cannot be solved by giving them money.
Therefore, the city is asking people not to give money to begging children to promote long-term solutions that address the problem of street children.
In light of this, the City calls on the public to support organisations that are working to end child begging and its causes. These organisations offer holistic solutions such as rescuing children from the streets, providing shelter, education and counselling.