BIG support grows

OGONE TLHAGEWINDHOEKPopular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has thrown his weight behind the introduction of a Basic Income Grant (BIG), but has urged that a targeted, rather than a blanket approach, was needed.He made these comments during a courtesy call made by the BIG Coalition, comprised of labour unionist Mahongora Kavihuha and Rinaani Musutua, yesterday.The coalition has urged for the introduction of the grant, which could cost government up to N$4 billion a year. The coalition has proposed a grant of N$500 to be paid every month to each citizen aged between 19 and 59 who has registered with an identity document.However, while supporting the coalition's intentions, Venaani said there was need for robust debate to ensure it would be a success. Pilot in stages“We need to modify it so that we meet the needs. Why don't we pilot the BIG in stages? After four years, we can see if the economy is growing,” Venaani said.He also lauded the efforts of former Brazilian president Luiz Lula da Silva and his government's Bolsa Família (family grant) programme. Pushing for the introduction of the grant, Kavihuha argued that it would need to be universal as BIGs were by their nature meant to cover all people of a qualifying age.“Employment is very volatile; the BIG should be universal. “If we introduce a BIG, our consumptive tax will go up from the [current] 20%,” he said.The unionist acknowledged that Namibia had introduced various social protection measures, but reasoned that the country's income inequality was still very high.The coalition also cited the examples of the Otjivero and Omitara communities, which received a grant during 2008, as a good model, saying this helped in reducing crime while affording residents access to better healthcare.

BIG support grows

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-16

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BIG support grows

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-16

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