The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, is asking for social grant beneficiaries to remain patient while NamPost is processing their payments.
The minister visited the Nampost branch at Divundu, Kavango East.
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.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has urged NamPost, the new distributor of social grants, to consider absorbing employees affected by the termination of Epupa Investment Technology’s contract.
The Namibian government spends around N$7 billion yearly on social grants, with old-age pensions accounting for nearly half of the total.
Michael Humavindu, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Finance, cautions that raising the pension to a mere N$2,000 could push the bill close to N$9 billion.
NamPost will ensure comfort and safety for senior citizens during the rollout of the social grants come 1st October, when it takes over from Epupa Investment Technology.
The Omuthiya constituency office hosted a community information sharing day to update residents on upcoming changes to social grant distribution.
The Ministry of Finance has started the process of phasing out social grant cash payments.
The Deputy Director of Social Assistance, Albert Biwa, made the announcement at the consultative meeting with social grant recipients at Keetmanshoop.
NamPost will take over the payment of all social welfare grants under the cash pay mode starting 1st October this year.
The Ministry of Finance shared this information during the launch of the regional engagement initiative on social grants at Rundu.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pleaded for patience with pensioners in response to the government not prioritising an increase in their grants for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Currently, the Old-Age Grant is N$1,600, following an increase of N$200 in 2024.
nbc News spoke to people from various quarters of society for a reaction to the national budget tabled today by Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah.
