By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, December 10 — With Swapo securing victory in both the presidential and National Assembly elections, celebrations continue across the country. However, for many pensioners, the focus has shifted to the eagerly anticipated increase in social grants promised by President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her campaign.
“If elected President of the Republic of Namibia, I commit to fulfilling President Geingob’s wish to increase the old-age pension to N$3,000,” Nandi-Ndaitwah was quoted as saying during the just-concluded elections. Her commitment, building on the legacy of late former President Dr. Hage Geingob, has raised hopes among Namibia’s 241,016 pensioners and people with disabilities who currently benefit from social grants.
The cost of this proposed increase would amount to approximately N$723 million per month, according to estimates. Despite the financial implications, the promise has resonated deeply with many, particularly in rural areas where social grants are often the primary source of income.
Namibia is regarded as a leader in Southern Africa for its progressive social grant policies, which aim to reduce poverty and inequality while ensuring dignity for all citizens. These grants include:
- State Maintenance Grants: N$350 per child, extended up to age 18 (or 21 in some cases), for caregivers earning less than N$1,000 per month.
- Foster Care Grants: Financial support for temporary caregivers of children in need.
- Child Disability Grants: For children with disabilities.
- Special Maintenance Grants: Support for children with disabilities under the age of 16.
- Vulnerability Grants: For children whose parents are unemployed or earning less than N$1,000 per month.
- Public Pensions: Monthly benefits for Namibians over 60, provided they reside in the country for at least six months annually.
While these policies are highly regarded, concerns have arisen over foreigners fraudulently acquiring Namibian citizenship to access these benefits, potentially increasing the financial burden on the state.
Namibia Daily News spoke with 67-year-old Simataa Mabuku, a pensioner from Kalumba Village, who expressed gratitude for the current grants.
“I appreciate the government for taking care of us. My wife and I, above 60, rely entirely on social grants to survive, as our children are unemployed. Without these grants, we would have perished. This is why we’ve continued voting for Swapo, so they can keep supporting us,” Mabuku said.
He added that the promise to increase the grant to N$3,000 brings hope for better living conditions.
With the handover of power to Nandi-Ndaitwah scheduled for March 2025, pensioners and other beneficiaries are optimistic about fulfilling this promise. The move aligns with Namibia’s broader Social Protection Policy, which seeks to uplift vulnerable populations and foster economic equality.
As the nation prepares to implement this significant policy change, the focus will remain on balancing financial sustainability with the welfare of its citizens, ensuring that the legacy of social support endures.
