The Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, says that the government recognises the invaluable role that the informal economy plays in the nation's economic landscape. 

Iipumbu says that the men and women who form the backbone of this sector contribute significantly to the GDP and create much-needed employment opportunities. 

She said this during a consultation meeting aimed at drafting a Special Economic Zone Bill (SEZ).

Many offenders come out reformed from the rehabilitation centres. 

However, some struggle to be accepted by society after release, which pushes them into despair. 

One such person facing this predicament is Windhoek's Katutura resident, Petrus Mayunda (53), who did stints as an inmate at the Windhoek Correctional Facility in 2017. 

His offence was dealing in drugs, but he was released later.

Members of Parliament have commended the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, for his efforts in presenting a substantial increment in this year's national budget. 

However, some are concerned about the inadequacy of the allocated funds for old-age grants and the absence of dedicated financial provisions and employment opportunities.

In her contribution to the Appropriation Bill, PDM's Elma Dienda emphasised the impact of the late president Hage Geingob's vision, which brought hope to senior citizens dependent on the old age grant for survival.