A parliamentary committee wants the government to give monthly payments to adults aged 19 through 59. These people cannot receive any government help unless they live with disabilities. The committee studied a basic income program at Otjivero-Omitara settlement from August 2024 through May 2025. Residents received N$100 each month without any conditions attached. The money helped people lead better lives and restored dignity to the community.
Emma Muteka, the vice chairperson, leads the committee and explained how conditions changed after payments began. Former farm workers had been left at the settlement with nowhere else to live. Hunger and joblessness affected most families before the monthly grants began. Old-age pensions and child support provided the primary income sources. People struggled to afford necessities like food and clothing.
Monthly payments helped families afford groceries and household items for the first time. Residents planted backyard gardens to grow fresh vegetables and supplement emergency food supplies. Small businesses opened as people combined their grant money to start brick-making and bread-baking operations. Children returned to classrooms because their parents could afford to purchase school uniforms and pay the required fees. Housing improved as families collaborated to purchase metal sheets and replace plastic shelters with sturdy structures.
Emma Muteka, the vice chairperson, leads the committee and explained how conditions changed after payments began. Former farm workers had been left at the settlement with nowhere else to live. Hunger and joblessness affected most families before the monthly grants began. Old-age pensions and child support provided the primary income sources. People struggled to afford necessities like food and clothing.
Monthly payments helped families afford groceries and household items for the first time. Residents planted backyard gardens to grow fresh vegetables and supplement emergency food supplies. Small businesses opened as people combined their grant money to start brick-making and bread-baking operations. Children returned to classrooms because their parents could afford to purchase school uniforms and pay the required fees. Housing improved as families collaborated to purchase metal sheets and replace plastic shelters with sturdy structures.
