Poverty

INTERVIEW: Dr. Basilius Kasera on SONA and Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG)

In a candid interview, Dr. Basilius Kasera shared his thoughts on the government's response to the concept of a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), particularly in light of recent discussions following the State of the Nation Address (SONA). He critiques the government's current approach to addressing economic inequality and offers his perspectives on the importance of a nationwide basic income system. Dr. Kasera begins by emphasizing the distinction between […]

28 April, 2025 35

Uncategorized

Unemployment in Namibia – A call for multi-sectoral action

Sydwill Scholtz By: Sydwill Scholtz, Labour Analyst The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) released the latest 2023 unemployment statistics for the country in January 2025, and, needless to say, the results are nothing shy of shocking. The results indicate that unemployment remains a significant social challenge in the country with the inherent ripple effect of poverty and social unrest detracting from the country's economic growth and development as […]

26 February, 2025 138

Business / Economics

Ramaphosa Opens G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in S.A

S.A President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the G20 Foreign ministers meeting at Nasrec in Johannesburg, marking the first meeting under South Africa’s G20 presidency. In his keynote address, Ramaphosa welcomed delegates and highlighted the significance of the summit being held on African soil for the first time. He called for greater cooperation and solidarity among nations to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, and conflict:

21 February, 2025 68

Business / Economics

In S.A, COPE Urges Godongwana to Prioritize Economic Growth in Budget

To South Africa now, where the Congress of the People is calling on Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, to deliver a budget that prioritises heightened economic growth. COPE’s, Pake Dikgetsi, says they are warning that austerity measures targeting social services, while billions are lost to corruption will push the country further into a crisis Meanwhile, the GOOD Party Secretary-general, Brett Herron, says as things stand, around 18-million South Africans are poor […]

19 February, 2025 53

Interview Transcripts

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 […]

17 February, 2025 24

South Africa

EFF Slams Trump’s Threat Over SA Land Policy

To South Africa, where the EFF has condemned US president Donald Trump’s threat to cut foreign funding to South Africa over its land expropriation policy. Party leader Julius Malema says Trump's statement undermines South Africa’s sovereignty and warns that no threats will deter the government. He emphasises that the act aims to reduce reliance on foreign aid while addressing historical injustices: Meanwhile, the Solidarity Movement has called on the United […]

4 February, 2025 67

South Africa

Cosatu Urges South African Government to Clarify U.S. Executive Order on Foreign Aid

Cosatu is calling on the South African government to engage its counterpart in the United State of America and clarify the status of the executive order on the Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid. Cosatu in KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary, Edwin Mkhize says the haphazard implementation of this executive order is inflicting pain on the poor and has disregarded workers’ livelihood. He says workers have been left stranded:

3 February, 2025 58

South Africa

S.A’s Ramaphosa calls for global cooperation to tackle 21st century challenges

S.A's Ramaphosa calls for global cooperation to tackle 21st century challenges such as climate change, pandemics, poverty, and geopolitical tensions. In his address, he stressed that united action is crucial to addressing these crises and ensuring progress for all nations. Ramaphosa urged world leaders to prioritise collaboration, and highlighted the role of institutions like the G20 in promoting solidarity and inclusive growth, particularly for the world’s poorest and most […]

22 January, 2025 28

Namibia

Financial Struggles Worsen as State Support and Shack Dwellings Increase

About 25% of Namibians earning an income spend only N$521 monthly, while 90% cannot afford more than N$5,000, reflecting widespread financial struggles, according to Cirrus Capital. State support sustains nearly a quarter of households, with drought relief beneficiaries doubling to 364,927 in 2024. Shack dwellers now make up 28.7% of households, tripling since 2011 to 217,000, especially in the Khomas region. Rising inflation and declining self-sourced income have worsened inequality […]

19 December, 2024 11