Politicians snub BIG talk

A number of political parties did not attend a public dialogue on inequality and poverty, organised by the Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition. The only parties that showed up are Affirmative Repositioning (AR), the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), the Republican Party (RP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).The ruling party Swapo, the official political opposition Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) were conspicuous in their absence. Not a permanent solutionSwapo spokesperson Hilma Nicanor said she was not aware of the invitation, adding that it might have been sent to someone else in the party’s leadership structure. PDM secretary-general Manuel Ngaringombe said they are occupied with the party’s national congress in the Zambezi Region, but hastened to mention that they do support a BIG. He explained that the party does not believe it should be a permanent intervention. "[PDM president] McHenry Venaani will dwell on that [the party’s position on BIG]; our manifesto has that. He can be invited to be interviewed to talk about the income grant. It is needed in the country; we are not saying it is not needed. We believe it should not be a permanent thing, making people dependent, but should be worked out well,” he added. Excuses, excusesLPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said the party’s president Bernadus Swartbooi had to pull out of the event because of a last-minute emergency. Meanwhile, his counterpart at IPC, Imms Nashinge, said that party did not receive an invitation to the talk. Rinaani Musutua of the BIG Coalition, however, countered that an invitation was sent, adding that IPC secretary-general Christine Aochamus said she could not attend because she was ill.Independent presidential candidate Ally Angula said she is in full support of the BIG, adding that she has seen abject poverty as she travelled the country. “What is important is for Namibians to get some form of money in their hands so they can access their very basic needs.” She stressed that she will push that every Namibian gets an income cushion. “The majority of our people are in unpaid jobs,” she added. jemima@namibiansun.com

Politicians snub BIG talk

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Politicians snub BIG talk

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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