Given that many Namibians continue to face socio-economic challenges, the introduction of a Basic Income Grant (BIG) remains urgent.

The Namibian government spends around N$7 billion yearly on social grants, with old-age pensions accounting for nearly half of the total. 

Michael Humavindu, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Finance, cautions that raising the pension to a mere N$2,000 could push the bill close to N$9 billion.

Concerns were raised in Parliament about the recent cases of children consuming alleged spoilt food in the Kavango regions, with questions raised about whether the Ministry of Education is doing anything to address the situation at school hostels.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi emphasised the importance of Africa moving beyond the export of raw materials, urging the continent to process resources in its own factories to grow its wealth. 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has lauded late police officer Chief Inspector Riche Karel ||Naobeb for an exemplary career.