Grant suspensions draw criticism over lack of notice

Thousands of old age grant payments have been temporarily halted as government finalises a verification exercise aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the social grants database.

In a joint statement issued on 3 June, the gender equality and child welfare ministry and the finance ministry said 15 825 grant beneficiaries out of the country's 209 226 beneficiaries listed on the national population registry system had been suspended after they could not be verified.

The ministries said the verification aims to protect the integrity of the social grants system and ensure public funds reach legitimate beneficiaries.

Affected beneficiaries have been urged to visit their nearest gender equality ministry or constituency office with the required proof of identity documents.

Beneficiaries whose details are successfully verified will have their grants reinstated during the next payment cycle and receive back payments.

The suspension drew criticism from social activist Junia Kaindjee, who accused the ministries and NamPost of failing to communicate the directive adequately.

Kaindjee said elderly beneficiaries arrived to collect their grants only to discover that no payment had been deposited into their accounts.

He argued that while the verification process may be necessary, the manner in which it was carried out left much to be desired.

"The critical question remains unanswered: How long must an 80-year-old pensioner wait after submitting documentation before receiving their N$1 700 grant?" Kaindjee said.

He called for the immediate reinstatement of payments for all affected beneficiaries, a public timeline for the completion of the verification exercise, and a minimum 30-day written notice period before any future grant suspensions.

Finance ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto clarified that the verification is not a re-application.

"If we have your information, you bring in your document for verification. We will verify and then it will be reinstated. Your benefit will be reinstated immediately."

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