With NamPost to officially taking over the distribution of social grants from 1st October, concerns have been raised about whether the Ministry of Finance will make provision for the beneficiaries residing in remote areas without them having to travel long distances.

NamPost will take over the distribution of social grants following the termination of Epupa Investments Technology's contract. 

The move aims to leverage NamPost's national network to improve service efficiency, enhance financial inclusion, and ensure consistent grant access for all recipients.

PDM's MP, Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo, is concerned about the accessibility of the pay points.

"Elders and people living with disabilities are coming to towns where they don't have accommodations, where the lines at the NamPost are very long, and they are suffering. Therefore, they are asking if it is possible for NamPost to have mobile teams going around villages to register these parents and old-age people rather than having them transported to the towns."

Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah acknowledged that most people who live in remote rural areas, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, have a difficult time accessing these funds due to long distances.

She further stated that provision has been made by means of mobile teams.

"Arrangements have been made for NAM posts to make use of mobile pay points to reach those and to bring the services closer to the people. I think that's what we normally say. They are also making use of the existing pay points where possible. Only in far remote areas would they then use mobile vans or mobile teams to reach out to our people because what is critical is for people to benefit from this grant that the responsible government has provided for them."