Regional leaders meet to discuss social protection policy

Regional consultations on the Social Protection Policy and Decentralization of Social Welfare kicked off on Monday, 24 June. The policy aims at addressing vulnerabilities, tackling social exclusion and eradication of poverty.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Esther Lusepani, who spoke on behalf of the Minister, Zephania Kameeta, Namibia has been faced with challenges of high levels of inequality and poverty since independence.
Although significant decline in poverty has been observed, inequality however persists. This situation, restricts economic growth and reinforces itself through high levels of unemployment, triggering economic and social risks to the vulnerable society.
In efforts to address those social and economic challenges the Namibian Constitution and related legislations make provision for social protection or social security under Article 95 of Namibia Constitution and Chapter (11) on ‘Principles of State Policy’. Lusepani further said the Government of Namibia is currently implementing social assistance programs such as: Old Age Pension, disability, veterans and children grants; disaster relief, food bank, school feeding, free primary and secondary education, social housing and marginalised community programs.
She said the implementation of the Social Protection Policy will gear towards achieving universal maternity grant and health coverage; universal child and disability grants; employment creation and em-powered women and youth; sustained old age and disability income security; inclusion of marginalised people; affordable housing; integrated social registry and services; enhanced co-ordination of social protection; and improved monitoring and evaluation of social protection.
The Governor of Erongo region Hon. Cloephas Mutjavikua said the platform provides an opportunity for the region’s input to be incorporated into the policy. Regional leaders, local authority leaders, leaders from faith-based organisations, officials from the security department and other stake-holders gathered at the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel for the one day consultation workshop.