A demonstration was held in Keetmanshoop, Namibia, on Monday by people with disabilities who are demanding an increase in their monthly grants. The current disability grant stands at N$1 600 per month. The protest comes after the Ministry of Finance announced that only the old-age pension will be increased to N$1 700, while other social grants, including the disability grant, will remain unchanged.
According to Finance spokesperson Wilson Shikoto, the increase in old-age pension was already announced by finance minister Ericah Shafudah, who made it clear that no other categories of social grants would be changed. This clarification follows unhappiness from disability grant recipients who initially understood that the grant would be increased to N$1 700 from August.
The group of protesters carried messages that read: “Pay us what you promised us. We may be disabled but not invisible, and respect the rights of all grant beneficiaries.” They expressed disappointment and frustration, having initially been led to believe that both pension and disability grants would be increased by N$100 in August, as announced by the government in February.
Lydia Motinga, spokesperson for the group, emphasized that the expected increase was crucial for them, as it would cover basic necessities like electricity, milk, sugar, and tea. Motinga stated that although some people might view the N$100 increase as insignificant, it would make a substantial difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Vice president Lucia Witbooi recently highlighted the importance of the disability grant, established under the National Pensions Act of 1992, as a key social protection instrument. She noted that with approximately 8% of the population receiving the grant, according to the 2023 census, there is a need for a fair, reliable, transparent, and timely assessment system.
Fuzzy Meyer, another person with disabilities, questioned why they were being excluded from the grant increase, given that the initial announcement was for both pension and disability grants. The protesters are demanding that the government honor its promise and increase the disability grant.
The protest in Keetmanshoop highlights the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities in Namibia, who are advocating for a fair and reliable social protection system. The government's decision to increase only the old-age pension has left many feeling frustrated and marginalized.
Key points
- The Namibian government announced an increase in old-age pension to N$1 700 but not the disability grant.
- The current disability grant in Namibia is N$1 600 per month.
- People with disabilities in Keetmanshoop protested the government's decision, demanding an increase in their monthly grants.
