Between Solidarity and Dependence: A Reflection on the Spread of Begging on Fridays in Nampula

Ronélio Zandamela"

Begging is an ancient social phenomenon associated with poverty, social exclusion, and the need for survival. Over time, it has taken different forms, from simply asking for alms to providing small services in exchange for money or food. Among those who resort to this practice are individuals with physical disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups whose living conditions may limit their ability to ensure their own subsistence.

Currently, in the main cities of Mozambique, namely Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, begging is a reality that deserves reflection. Although unemployment, school dropout, and poverty are factors that can contribute to its expansion, it is important to question whether all people who beg are actually in a situation of extreme need. This reflection should not stem from prejudice, but from the need to understand the different motivations that underpin the phenomenon.

In the city of Nampula, the concentration of people begging on Fridays is particularly striking, including teenagers who sometimes appear dressed in torn or dirty clothes, seemingly to elicit compassion from citizens. This situation raises a question: are we always faced with an absolute need for survival, or are there also cases where begging becomes a habitual way of earning income?

One possible explanation for this concentration lies in the Islamic sociocultural influence in the region. Friday is especially important for Muslims, as it is the day of collective prayer, and charity is an important value in their religious tradition. In this context, many faithful offer money, food, and other goods to people in need. Consequently, mosques, commercial establishments, and residences can become sought-after locations for those hoping to benefit from this generosity.

Charity is undoubtedly a commendable practice that should be preserved. However, when the distribution of alms occurs without monitoring mechanisms, it becomes difficult to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. In certain circumstances, the expectation of receiving donations regularly may contribute to the repetition of begging. This does not mean that solidarity necessarily produces dependency, nor that all people who beg have alternatives to ensure their survival.

Given this reality, it is important to reflect on ways to better organize social assistance. One possibility would be the creation of mechanisms for identifying and monitoring people in situations of begging, involving social action services, the Municipal Council, religious organizations, and community structures. Collection and distribution points for food, clothing, and other essential goods could also be established, allowing citizens to channel their donations in an organized manner, without hindering direct aid.

The presence of adolescents in this phenomenon deserves special attention, as it may be related to family poverty, school dropout, or situations of exploitation. In these cases, the response should prioritize the protection of minors, access to education, and social support, rather than simply removing them from public spaces. Similarly, elderly people, people with disabilities, or people with other limitations should benefit from forms of assistance tailored to their needs.

In short, the proliferation of begging on Fridays in Nampula demands reflection that goes beyond the simple distribution of alms. It is not about discouraging charity, much less indiscriminately judging those who ask for help, but about finding ways to ensure that solidarity contributes to dignity and social inclusion. After all, helping someone meet an immediate need is important, but creating conditions so that they can live with greater autonomy is equally necessary.

Between solidarity and dependency, the challenge lies in preserving human generosity, organizing it in a way that supports those who truly need it and sustainably addresses the root causes that lead so many people to depend on charity.

2025/12/3