Interview: Musutua Slams Shiimi Over Lack of Action on Poverty

Activist Rinaani Musutua has taken a firm stance against Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, condemning what she calls decades of unfulfilled promises regarding poverty eradication and unemployment in Namibia.

Musutua argues that the government’s approach to social grants has been ineffective, particularly criticizing targeted programs such as the Conditional Basic Income Grant, which she refers to as a rebranded Harambee cash grant. She insists that such measures fail to make a meaningful impact on widespread poverty, which now affects around 65% of the population.

“We are now classified as a world hunger spot, yet the government refuses to make the necessary investments to improve people’s living conditions. Instead, they keep repeating the same promises without real results,” Musutua said.

She emphasized the urgent need for a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), citing global studies that validate its effectiveness in reducing poverty. According to Musutua, implementing UBIG is the only realistic way to address the country’s unemployment crisis, which currently stands at around 50%.

“If the government is unwilling to invest in UBIG, then there is nothing else they can say that will convince us they are serious about poverty eradication,” she said.

Musutua further accused the government of using social grants as an election ploy, stating that temporary and poorly structured programs are designed to secure votes rather than provide real economic relief.

“After 34 years of independence, the people who vote for this government still have nothing to show for it. It is shameful that those in power continue to live lavishly while ordinary Namibians suffer,” she added.

Her comments come amid growing public frustration over Namibia’s economic struggles, with many citizens demanding urgent reforms to address unemployment and poverty.