Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor Paulus Mbangu has criticised the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for excluding unemployed rural residents from benefiting from the Basic Income Grant (BIG).
The grant, introduced to alleviate poverty among struggling families, targets Namibians aged between 18 and 59.
Its implementation has largely been concentrated in urban areas, angering rural communities.
Mbangu likened the ministry’s urban-focused approach to apartheid-era policies, arguing that it discriminates against rural residents and fosters negative perceptions of the government.
“The ministry’s urban-centric policies are no different from apartheid policies, as they ignore the unique challenges faced by rural communities. According to the Namibia Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2021, poverty is significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas,” Mbangu said.
He cited MPI 2021 data, which shows that in 2021, 59% of Namibia’s rural population experienced multidimensional poverty compared to 25% in urban areas.
Mbangu emphasised the importance of addressing rural poverty to ensure balanced national development.
“I urge President Nangolo Mbumba and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to halt this ill-informed, discriminatory conditional income grant before it exacerbates inequality. The government must expand the grant to include destitute rural populations. Rural poverty should not be an afterthought,” stressed Mbangu.
He warned that focusing solely on urban beneficiaries could lead to widespread dissatisfaction in rural areas.
“Extending financial support to rural communities is vital. A universal BIG for all individuals living in poverty could help bridge economic disparities and offer essential assistance to those in need,” he advised.
In response, gender minister Doreen Sioka told Windhoek Observer on Monday that the programme would extend to rural areas in 2025, as rural residents are currently receiving drought relief aid.
“They should be patient and wait their turn. Right now, rural communities are getting drought relief food, which urban residents do not receive. This is a Cabinet decision, not mine alone. Mbangu should avoid conflating government programmes and misleading the public,” Sioka said.
