Monday marches to step up the fight against poverty
#NationalProtestToEndPovery
On Monday (26 August 2024), the Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition of Namibia holds nationwide protest marches in Windhoek, Mariental, Keetmanshoop, Gobabis, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay Grootfontein and Oshakati to plead with the government to implement a universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) for all Namibians aged 0-59.The protest marches aim to address the urgent need for economic support and social justice in the face of widespread poverty and unemployment.
In a media release, the BIG Coalition said that according to recent reports, the country is facing a severe crisis with alarming rates of malnutrition-related deaths, especially among children. Many young girls have been forced into sex work as a means of survival, and countless families face hunger and a lack of employment opportunities.
“The situation is dire, and immediate action is needed to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“The day has been specifically chosen to show that our ancestor's blood was not watered for Namibia’s freedom just for the majority of people to live in abject poverty. Petitions will be handed over to the regional chairpersons of each respective region where the protest marches will be held,” the coalition said.
The BIG Coalition believes that a UBIG is a viable solution to these pressing issues. By providing a guaranteed income to all citizens, we can ensure that everyone has access to necessities, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth.
Marches
• Windhoek: 10:00, starting at the Katutura Youth Complex and ending at the Zoo Park via Independence Avenue where a petition will be handed to the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Hon. Doreen Sioka at 12:30. Info: 081 703 1837 or 081 705 3697.
• Gobabis: 10:00, starting at the municipality and ending at the Omaheke Regional Council office where a petition will be handed to Ignatius Kariseb, chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council at 10:40. Info 081 699 1227 or 081 880 7561.
• Grootfontein: 10:00, starting at the Damara Location Playground and ending at the municipality/constituency office, via Sam Nujoma Street, where a petition will be handed to the chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlayn Mbakera at 11:00. Info: 081 561 5191 or 081 878 5217.
• Katima Mulilo: 10:00, starting at the NBC office in town and ending at the Zambezi Regional Council office, via Dr Hage Geingob Street, past the State Hospital and Dr Kamui Street, where a petition will be handed to Zambezi Regional Council chairperson, Matengu Simushi at 11:00. Info: 081 407 2442 or 081 446 3094.
• Keetmanshoop: 10:00, starting at the open space across Zacheus Thomas Trinity AME Church in Tseiblaagte and ending at the //Kharas Regional Council office, via Mimosa St, Sam Nujoma, 1st Ave, and Wheeler Street, where a petition will be handed to the //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Joseph Isaacks at 11:30. Info 081 459 0580 or 081 556 6592.
• Mariental: 10:00, starting at the Wakaduku Soccer Field (Takarania) and ending at the Hardap Regional Council office, via Khoichas & 16th Street, where a petition will be handed to Gershon Daniel Francois Dausab, chairperson of the Regional Council, at 11:00. Info: 081 588 3478 or 081 844 8247.
• Oshakati: 10:00, starting in front of the Police Station and ending at the Oshana Regional Council office, via Uupidi Street where a petition will be handed to Oshana Regional Council chairperson, Andreas Uutoni at 11:00. Info 081 262 6737 or 081 378 7044.
• Rundu: 10:00, starting at Rundu stadium and ending at the Kavango East Regional Council office, via E. Kakakuru and Usivi Street, where a petition will be handed to the chairperson of Kavango East Regional Council, Damian Maghambayi at 11:00. Info: 081 870 0125, 081 601 0238 or 081 315 3400.
• Walvis Bay: 10:00, starting at Cymot in town and ending at the Walvis Bay Municipality via Nangolo Mbumba Drive, where a letter will be handed to Benitha Imbamba, chairperson of Erongo Regional Council at 10:40. Info: 081 223 5379 or 081 258 0739.