Street vendors have expressed their dismay over the non-existence of social security provisions and protection benefits, with women, in particular, feeling the pinch, especially when on maternity leave.
They expressed these sentiments at the first commemoration of Street Vendors Day.
Despite the fact that street vendors form part of the informal market and make up 63% of the business landscape in Namibia, they still struggle to make ends meet.
Over the years, street vendors have complained about the lack of proper facilities from which to sell their products, as well as having to face harassment from law enforcement agents.
Speaking at the event, vendors called for the inclusion of social security provisions such as maternity benefits, pensions, and medical aid.
"For some of us working under someone, we have to work until the day we have to go give birth because we don't have maternity leave, and we only get paid according to the days we come in for work. Even if you are sick and skip a day, you won't get paid. So, we cut our days short to raise our children after giving birth because we need the money and don't have any sort of security."
"We need to move forward. We have been working for years, but really, we have nothing to show for it. We don't have medical aid, and we have no pension, so please do consider us."
Addressing the commemoration, the Secretary General of TUCNA, Mahongora Kavihuha, said there is a decent work deficit in the informal sector and that it is being governed under outdated regulations.
"There is a provision in social security where you can contribute a small amount of N$2.90 so that when you're on maternity leave or sick, you can get an income while caring for your small baby. The unemployment benefits or insurance have become a priority, and we will not leave without completing them. The issue of no medical aid and having to stand two days or hours in line to get assistance must come to an end, as must the issue of no pension fund. We are reliably informed that the Social Security Commission is done with its submission on both provisions, but the politicians are sitting on this proposal; they must start with the process because the informal sector workers urgently need these benefits."
Although some street vendors interviewed by the nbc News team were unfamiliar with the day, they were delighted to join the rest of the world in celebrating it for the first time.
November 14 is International Street Vendors Day, a global celebration to raise awareness about the significant challenges they face.