BIG Coalition hosts Star Rally
The Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition of Namibia is set to host a large-scale rally on Saturday, (16 November) to advocate for a universal Basic Income Grant (BIG) for all Namibians.Known as the Universal BIG Star Rally, the event aims to promote awareness and rally support for a BIG policy that is both universal and unconditional, distinct from the existing conditional grants.
The rally starts with a march at 14:00 from Miami Service Station Bus Stop in Katutura, progressing through Independence Avenue to reach UN Plaza. The Champion Brass Band will accompany the marchers, setting a spirited tone for the event.
The main rally activities start at 15:00 at UN Plaza, featuring performances by well-known Namibian artists to entertain attendees.
The BIG Coalition is using the rally to spotlight key issues, including clarifying the difference between conditional BIG and a truly universal BIG, helping to reduce public confusion; stressing the role of universal BIG in addressing poverty, unemployment and income inequality; urging political leaders to take clear positions on a universal BIG; and exposing government actions that could undermine the BIG campaign.
Held under the theme “Let’s all benefit from our resources through a Basic Income Grant for all”, the rally underscores the importance of a universal BIG as an essential support for vulnerable Namibians.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Namibia faces severe hunger challenges, intensifying the need for a universal income grant to combat this crisis.
The BIG Coalition maintains that the Basic Income Grant should remain free from political manipulation and that it should not be conflated with conditional grants. By clarifying these distinctions, the coalition hopes to build public trust and sustain momentum for their campaign.
For more info, visit www.bignam.org