The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations of the National Assembly has called for further strengthening of the country’s social protection systems to uphold the dignity and welfare of all Namibians.
Speaking during a two-day Orientation Workshop on Social Protection at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, members of the committee gathered to exchange notes and deepen their understanding of Namibia’s social protection framework and Parliament’s oversight role.
The event brought together members of Parliament, social policy experts, and representatives from government institutions to reflect on the state of social protection in Namibia and identify reform priorities in addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
Committee chairperson Justina Jonas emphasized the importance of social protection in upholding the dignity and welfare of all Namibians.
She noted that more than 618,000 Namibians depend on social grants, including old-age pensions, disability grants, and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
“Across the world, social protection systems have become central to advancing human development and reducing inequality. They play a vital role in safeguarding the livelihoods of the most vulnerable members of society, including children, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly,” said Jonas.
She further highlighted that the Government has proposed N$7.2 billion for social protection programmes in the 2025/2026 national budget, demonstrating continued commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.
This includes N$3.7 billion for old-age grants, N$955 million for disability grants for adults, and N$152 million for disability grants for minors.
The workshop featured in-depth presentations and discussions led by experts including Uhuru Dempers (Facilitator), John Nakuta (University of Namibia), Wilbard Nashandi (Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare), Olga Katjiuongua (Social Security Commission), and Munashe Tofa (SADC Parliamentary Forum).
Sessions covered the legal and policy basis for social protection, international and regional frameworks, and the role of Parliament in promoting inclusive social protection systems.
Participants also engaged in group discussions to identify policy gaps, reform priorities, and concrete parliamentary actions to strengthen Namibia’s social protection coverage.
In conclusion, Jonas commended the active participation of Members and the support of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES Namibia) and resource persons, noting that the workshop reaffirmed Parliament’s responsibility to advance social justice and protect vulnerable populations.
“We affirm our commitment to strengthen social protection systems and ensure the adoption of concerted approaches that sustain the livelihoods of our people, especially children, persons with disabilities, women, and the marginalized,” she said.
Jonas added that the committee would compile the workshop’s outcomes to inform future legislative oversight, policy reforms, and budgetary advocacy.
The orientation forms part of the Committee’s broader efforts to enhance Members’ capacity to influence national policies that promote inclusive development and to align parliamentary action with Vision 2030 and the newly launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
Meanwhile, the committee’s deputy chairperson Salomon April conveyed gratitude to all participants including members of Parliament who have been highly engaged
with the discussions and thanked FES Namibia for hosting the workshop.
He underscored that such events shows that the resources are being used for a good cause and for the continued support of various socio-economic and national development programmes.
The event concluded on a high note with members endowed with critical insights on social protection systems, prospects and challenges. These insights will allow members to enrich their legislative contributions in the National Assembly. – ohembapu@nepc.com.na