The issue of informal traders across the country was on the agenda this morning at Parliament as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration sought to address the social protection of vendors.

The Committee Chairperson, Natangwe Ithete, stated that vendors contribute to the economic growth of Namibia, but they are often treated unfairly by the authorities, including the police, which is not desirable.

The Social Security Commission was the first to be consulted, and its Chief Executive Officer, Milka Mungunda, and her team say the challenge facing informal traders is stigma and a lack of policy and legislation.

She urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee to fast-track the deliberations on the Social Protection of Informal Traders motion before the National Assembly.

Some vendors are, however, registered with the Commission as self-employed, but the challenges faced by most, if not all, are that their businesses are not registered with BIPA and the Ministry of Trade and Industrialization.

This, she said, is a hurdle for the Commission, robbing them of the full benefits offered.

The management, however, reminded parliamentarians that it is the responsibility of the Commission to take care of all Namibians, but this can only be achieved with all hands on deck.

The committee's chairperson, Natangwe Ithete, took a strong stance against any suggestions to make it mandatory for informal traders to register their businesses.

Next before the Committee was the Namibia Informal Sector Organisation, represented by Joseph Kauandenge.

Ithete welcomed the observations made by Kauandenge.

The committee will continue with the consultations before reporting back to the lower house.