Rosh Pinah township battles shebeen boom
The Tutungeni informal settlement in Rosh Pinah, Namibia, is struggling with a proliferation of over 50 shebeens that operate late into the night. Residents report that children are being exploited to clean these establishments, where they are also exposed to substance abuse and alcohol.
Why it matters
The situation highlights a critical social issue regarding child welfare, substance abuse, and the lack of regulation in informal settlements.
Rosh Pinah’s Tutungeni informal settlement faces rising concerns over more than 50 shebeens, where children are allegedly paid to clean amid growing substance abuse risks at the 1 000-household settlement.
Roshkor Township (Pty) Ltd, which manages the mining town, has confirmed this number to The Namibian. Residents, however, reckon the figure is closer to 54.
Tutungeni resident Immanuel Gomachab (54) says children often visit the shebeens shortly after school to clean the establishments in exchange for money.
He says some also drink and use drugs at the shebeens.
There have been discussions about a possible programme involving the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to help the children, but it is unclear how far these efforts have progressed, he says.
“They are sniffing glue, drugs, and alcohol,” Gomachab says, adding that some young people drink late into the night.
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