Lutuhezi demands flexibility on grant verification deadline
Lilian Lutuhezi of the Independent Patriots for Change is urging the Namibian government to provide more flexibility for social grant beneficiaries during a mandatory verification process. She argues that the current deadline and lack of mobile services are causing unnecessary hardship for the elderly and disabled.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between administrative efficiency in social welfare systems and the practical accessibility needs of vulnerable populations.
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of gender equality Lilian Lutuhezi has called on the gender ministry to ensure vulnerable social grant beneficiaries do not lose their income during the verification process.
This comes after the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare put out a notice last week warning beneficiaries that they only have until the end of July to get verified or risk losing their money.
Lutuhezi on Monday said while verification is necessary to protect the integrity of the country’s social protection system, the suspension of grant payments before the verification process is completed will cause unnecessary hardship to many.
She asked the ministry to explain what measures would be put in place for beneficiaries who are unable to meet the July verification deadline because of illness, disability, old age or lack of transport.
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