Grant system goes digital to better serve disabled Namibians

New guidelines and digital systems are being implemented with the goal of improving the way persons with disabilities are medically assessed to qualify for government-sponsored social protection and other support services.

“The gateway” to social protection must not become a barrier, Vice President Lucia Witbooi said last week, stressing assessments should be accessible and timely.

The reform comes as Namibia continues to provide disability pensions as a key social protection measure.

The monthly disability grant has increased from N$300 at Independence to N$1 700 as of April.

Witbooi was speaking during the launch of the medical assessment guidelines and the digital programme for medical assessment of persons with disabilities in Windhoek on Friday.

The new digital platform is expected to address shortcomings in the current system, including fewer delays, improved record-keeping and enhanced information management and evidence-based decision-making.

She said the new system is expected to improve transparency and efficiency and respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities.

“Digitalisation should not simply mean replacing paper with computers. It must mean better, faster and more accountable service delivery,” the vice president said. She added that the system should help address geographical inequalities by improving access for people in rural areas while ensuring that personal information remains secure and confidential.

“Technology alone can not deliver inclusion,” she said, calling for government institutions, regional and local authorities, healthcare professionals, civil society, development partners and the private sector to work together.

Equal dignity guaranteed

According to the 2023 national census, 152 790 Namibians live with disabilities, compared with 98 413 recorded in 2011. The census further estimates that about 12% of Namibia’s 756 339 households include persons with disabilities, while approximately 7% are headed by persons with disabilities.

Witbooi said these figures demonstrate that disability affects families and communities across the country and reinforces the need for persons with disabilities to participate fully in Namibia’s social and economic life.

She said their lived experiences must continue to shape the development of the programme, reiterating the principle, "Nothing about us, without us."

Witbooi said the ultimate objective is to ensure that disability does not become a reason for exclusion and that persons with disabilities are recognised for their rights, abilities, contributions and aspirations.

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