BIG: Nationwide marches held
Grant a ‘necessity’
Yesterday, on Heroes' Day, marches were held across the country in support of a basic income grant of N$500 per person per month.
Several marches were held all over the country yesterday in support of a basic income grant (BIG) of N$500 per person per month.
In Windhoek, a group of about 25 people handed over a petition to acting deputy executive director at the gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare ministry, Nichlas Mbingeneeko, after they asked that minister Doreen Sioka be present to receive the document.
“We are here today to encourage you, [Sioka], and the government of Namibia to see that the implementation of BIG is not just a possibility - it is a necessity,” it read.
Regarding the decision to hold the marches on Heroes’ Day, Herbert Jauch of the Economic and Social Justice Trust said the day celebrates the heroes who won Namibia’s political independence, but that many Namibians cannot enjoy economic independence.
“As we commemorate Heroes’ Day, we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and dignity. Let us remember that the fight for justice and equality extends beyond the battlefield; it lives on in our struggle for social and economic security for all our citizens,” the petition read.
Marches were also planned in Gobabis, Grootfontein, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Oshakati, Rundu and Walvis Bay.
The march in Walvis Bay was cancelled due to the fact that only 15 marchers turned up. However, a petition was still handed over to Michael Jimmy, who attended the event on behalf of the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Benitha Imbamba.
In Windhoek, a group of about 25 people handed over a petition to acting deputy executive director at the gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare ministry, Nichlas Mbingeneeko, after they asked that minister Doreen Sioka be present to receive the document.
“We are here today to encourage you, [Sioka], and the government of Namibia to see that the implementation of BIG is not just a possibility - it is a necessity,” it read.
Regarding the decision to hold the marches on Heroes’ Day, Herbert Jauch of the Economic and Social Justice Trust said the day celebrates the heroes who won Namibia’s political independence, but that many Namibians cannot enjoy economic independence.
“As we commemorate Heroes’ Day, we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and dignity. Let us remember that the fight for justice and equality extends beyond the battlefield; it lives on in our struggle for social and economic security for all our citizens,” the petition read.
Marches were also planned in Gobabis, Grootfontein, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Oshakati, Rundu and Walvis Bay.
The march in Walvis Bay was cancelled due to the fact that only 15 marchers turned up. However, a petition was still handed over to Michael Jimmy, who attended the event on behalf of the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Benitha Imbamba.
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