The Namibian government has suspended the registration of new beneficiaries for the Conditional Basic Income Grant (CBIG) program due to a lack of funds. This decision was announced by Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, in response to parliamentary questions. The CBIG program provides a monthly cash grant of N$600 to vulnerable Namibians between 18 and 59 years old. The program was introduced in 2022 as a replacement for the Food Bank Programme.
According to Minister Kantema, the registration process will resume once funds become available. The ministry will communicate registration dates and procedures through regional and constituency offices. Those previously excluded from registration will have a fair opportunity to register if they meet the eligibility criteria and can verify their household status, residence, and income bracket. The ministry is committed to ensuring that regional offices are involved in future registration processes to improve access and accountability.
The CBIG program is designed to support extremely poor households in urban and peri-urban areas. To be eligible, households must have no income, apart from child grants, and provide proof of residence, such as municipal bills or verification notes. Applicants must also provide a Namibian identity document, full birth certificates, and a declaration of unemployment. The ministry has acknowledged concerns that these requirements may disadvantage people living in informal settlements who lack formal addresses or municipal bills.
Minister Kantema emphasized that the requirements are necessary to verify residence, household status, and eligibility, and to prevent abuse of the program. The ministry is working to ensure that all eligible households are able to access the grant. Currently, 27,132 beneficiaries are receiving the grant countrywide, with Khomas having the highest number of beneficiaries at 11,993, followed by Kavango East with 1,995.
The CBIG program is a critical source of support for vulnerable Namibians. The grant is paid monthly to identified beneficiaries and is intended to help them meet their basic needs. The program's suspension has raised concerns about the impact on those who rely on the grant for their livelihood. The ministry has assured that it will communicate any updates on the registration process and ensure that those who need the grant the most are able to access it.
Households receiving old-age or disability grants are not eligible for the CBIG program. The ministry's eligibility criteria are designed to target those who are most in need of support. The program's implementation has been closely monitored, and the ministry has made efforts to improve access and accountability. The suspension of registration has highlighted the need for sustainable funding for the program.
The Namibian government will need to secure additional funding to resume the registration process and ensure that all eligible households can access the grant. The ministry has committed to working with stakeholders to address the funding shortage and ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. The CBIG program has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Namibians, and efforts will continue to ensure its success.
Key points
- The program currently supports 27,132 beneficiaries countrywide.
- Eligibility criteria include proof of no income and residence.
- Registration will resume once funds become available.
