As our news team continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Namibians, we came across Jacobus Hermanus Groenewald a homeless resident of Windhoek. Groenewald told NBC News that he was previously accommodated at the Dutch Reformed Church in town. However, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, he was told to look for alternative accommodation as the church can only accommodate a few people. The music teacher said the pandemic has robbed him of any chance to seek trainees as people have to practice social distancing. He is sharing a room with four others at the Katutura Youth Hostel where some have set up tents provided by the COVID-19 task force in the region. There are about 250 homeless at the Katutura Youth Complex and more than 80 at the Khomasdal Stadium. However, the number of homeless in the region is estimated to be 900 people. He called on any willing person to assist him so that he can set up a music school for students. The 59-year-old Groenewald has been homeless since June 2016 and was previously staying in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Sydney
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December 25, 2025

