In a heartbreaking account, Shilongo Werner (name changed for privacy), a man who has been unemployed for the past seven years, revealed his daily routine of seeking solace in alcohol to cope with depression and stress. Instead of waking up early to prepare for work like many others, Werner finds himself frequenting local shebeens or Cuca shops to indulge in Otombo, a homemade alcoholic brew.
Werner’s unemployment journey began in 2016 when he lost his job as a security guard. Despite actively applying for jobs, he faced numerous disappointments. In 2022, he even attended interviews at various companies but never received any feedback, leaving him disheartened. Werner expressed frustration with how employers often prioritize academic achievements over practical experience, hindering his chances of securing employment.
As Werner shared his story, it became evident that his situation had taken a toll on his family life. He is the father of five children from three different women, but he does not live with them. Some of his children reside with their grandparents, while others live with their mothers. Werner expressed a strong desire to be actively involved in his children’s lives and provide for them, but his current circumstances prevent him from affording the lifestyle he envisions for them.
Werner seeks consolation in shebeens, where he may interact with others, to fight the loneliness he feels. To get a serving of Otombo, he must, however, show up early in the morning because to great demand. He explained that the beverage is frequently sold out by 10 a.m., leaving thirsty and disgruntled latecomers.
During an interview with a reporter from NDN, Fransina Kaunyengenge, a 47-year-old woman who sells Otombo in her Cuca shop, shed light on her customers’ behavior. She acknowledged that opening a shebeen in the early morning hours goes against the law, but she feels compelled to do so due to the circumstances. Kaunyengenge shared that customers frequently arrive at her doorstep requesting the brew, and if she were to turn them away, they would seek it elsewhere. To avoid losing customers, she reluctantly serves them, and as the morning progresses, more people join in until the brew is depleted. Kaunyengenge expressed the need to prioritize her family’s well-being, which compels her to overlook the legal implications.
Werner’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals who are unemployed and seek refuge in alcohol as a coping mechanism. It highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and opportunities for economic empowerment to break the cycle of unemployment and alcohol dependency. ~Namibia Daily News
