Youth take part in BIG protest

Ask for income allowance of N$500 per month
According to the complaint, the group demands that the government fulfil its obligation in the Namibian Constitution.
Kristien Kruger
  • 4 Months Ago - 2024-06-17 09:02:00
A large group, mostly young people, took part in a march on Saturday in support of a basic income allowance (BIG) of N$500 per person per month.
The demonstration started at 08:00 from the Katutura youth complex and aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for government action in the implementation of a basic income allowance.
A letter of complaint was handed to the minister in the presidency responsible for gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare, Doreen Sioka.
The campaign was launched by the Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition of Namibia and one of the coordinators believes that they have been trying to get the grant implemented for more than 19 years.
According to the complaint, the group demands that the government fulfill its obligation in terms of article 95 of the Namibian Constitution which promises to promote the well-being of residents.
The protesters emphasised in their complaint that young people make up the largest part of the country's population and argued that they must be assured of a future.
"Our leaders must commit to implementing an unconditional and universal BIG as a youth-centred social protection scheme to support unemployed youth and promote youth development," the complaint reads. – [email protected]