Our country continues to witness an alarming rise in the number of elderly people turning to the streets to beg to survive the economic hardships.
This problem is big in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu cities, where elderly men and women often approach motorists and pedestrians, pleading for financial support. This trend represents a shift from the previously familiar case of street-connected children known for begging and engaging in certain mischievous acts just to make ends meet.
The sight of these people struggling on the streets and sometimes feeding themselves from litter bins is a sobering reminder of how poverty continues to displace vulnerable populations from homes in search of better lives in urban areas.
The factors driving this unsettling development are multifaceted. They include economic hardships and rampant poverty which have left many elderly people without access to affordable housing, healthcare or social security systems, pushing them into homelessness. Additionally, the breakdown of family support structures cannot be ignored. Some elderly beggars have children or guardians capable of providing care, but are instead left neglected or abandoned for reasons only those families can explain. In other cases, strained relationships or insufficient support forced some elderly individuals to leave their homes.
Many elderly beggars also support orphans, including their grandchildren, left behind by deceased or absent parents, and without stable incomes or job opportunities, they are left with no choice but to beg to provide for their dependents.
But you know life on the streets is unforgiving. It exposes these individuals to abuse, stigma, exploitation and significant health risks. Instead of serving as beacons of wisdom and inspiration for younger generations at home, the ‘gogo’s’ are forced to adapt to city life under dire circumstances. This reality not only erodes their dignity, but also highlights a broader societal failure to care for its most vulnerable members.
Again, their reliance on public charity creates additional financial strain on citizens and addressing this issue requires a collective approach. First and foremost, strengthening social welfare programmes is critical. For instance, we have previously heard politicians talking about implementing universal basic pensions or subsidised elder care facilities for the elderly. Revisiting those pledges, including the promise to offer K15 000 monthly to vulnerable elderly individuals could serve as a sustainable solution.
Community-based support systems could also play a crucial role by providing localised care and resources. For instance, the elderly could be empowered through light work or skill-sharing initiatives, enabling them to earn an income while preserving their dignity. The private sector should step in to support various welfare programmes already in place and fund skill-building initiatives tailored to the elderly’s needs.
On a familial level, society must foster a culture of responsibility and families must strive to take better care of their elderly relatives. At the same time, the government must ensure that existing social policies aimed at supporting the elderly are effectively implemented and adequately funded. Not just lip service.
For sure elderly begging is a deeply distressing issue that demands urgent attention from the government, NGOs, families and communities alike. Through coordinated efforts, we can address its root causes and restore elders’ dignity. They deserve more than survival; they deserve love, respect and the opportunity to live fulfilling lives in their twilight years.
So, let us not allow the streets to become the final refuge for people who once nurtured and guided us.
Together, we can rise to the challenge and create a society where all elders live in peace and dignity.
