San community feels left out
NAMPA
EPUKIRO
The Epukiro constituency San community in Omaheke feels left out, as they are unable to benefit from the government's emergency income grant (EIG) of N$750, due to various challenges.
Acting chief Kandas Booi said most members of his community have no
cellphones and identification documents, which are required to benefit from the grant. “We are illiterate and some people didn't even receive the message well, as no official from the government came to the settlement regarding this grant,” said Booi. The grant, he said, would help his community during this time of crisis, as most have lost their jobs and are now at home.
“There are no tenders to help them financially due to the lockdown; most people are now at home hungry,” he added.
Booi suggested that the government pay the N$750 in cash.
“This will be a very easy method and it must be done fast to reach everyone in the country, as is the case with pension payments.”
Erica Kahuure from the constituency office, who is also a volunteer officer for the Namibia Vulnerability Assessment Committee under the Office of Prime Minister, acknowledged the challenges faced by the San community regarding the EIG.
“We have requested the Office of San Development to register and receive money on behalf of the San. It is very difficult for them to access their money, even through their employers,” she said.
Namibians can apply for the grant via SMS and the money is paid as digital wallets from participating banks.
EPUKIRO
The Epukiro constituency San community in Omaheke feels left out, as they are unable to benefit from the government's emergency income grant (EIG) of N$750, due to various challenges.
Acting chief Kandas Booi said most members of his community have no
cellphones and identification documents, which are required to benefit from the grant. “We are illiterate and some people didn't even receive the message well, as no official from the government came to the settlement regarding this grant,” said Booi. The grant, he said, would help his community during this time of crisis, as most have lost their jobs and are now at home.
“There are no tenders to help them financially due to the lockdown; most people are now at home hungry,” he added.
Booi suggested that the government pay the N$750 in cash.
“This will be a very easy method and it must be done fast to reach everyone in the country, as is the case with pension payments.”
Erica Kahuure from the constituency office, who is also a volunteer officer for the Namibia Vulnerability Assessment Committee under the Office of Prime Minister, acknowledged the challenges faced by the San community regarding the EIG.
“We have requested the Office of San Development to register and receive money on behalf of the San. It is very difficult for them to access their money, even through their employers,” she said.
Namibians can apply for the grant via SMS and the money is paid as digital wallets from participating banks.
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