First-time recipients of the N$600 Conditional Basic Income Grant (BIG) in Karasburg expressed joy at receiving government financial assistance.

The initiative, replacing the food bank, aims to reduce financial hardships for the unemployed and boost economic stability.  

Hundreds of unemployed residents, mostly youth, queued at the Westerkim paypoint to collect their grants. Beneficiaries shared their gratitude, highlighting how the grant will help meet basic needs.  

Richard Isaacks, Beneficiary:  "I have been unemployed for almost a year, and the N$600 grant is a significant financial injection. I am grateful to the government."

Christina April, Beneficiary: "I will use the N$600 to buy food and take care of my children.

Zonke Swartbooi, Beneficiary:  "I am grateful to the government for the N$600."

However, some residents who registered late last year did not receive their grants.  

Kambinda Cosmos, Karasburg Resident:  "We did register, but our names are not out. We will wait for the next pay date to see if our names are there. They should include all applicants as Namibian citizens. There are no outsiders here."

Johannes January, Karasburg Resident: "I registered in October last year for the grant but still haven’t received it. They told me there’s nothing for me. I just want to know how I will be assisted because I have no income."