An exploration of social protection financing aid as an instrument for poverty alleviation among the elderly and people with disabilities in Namibia.

Abstract

At present, the Government of Namibia, through the MGPESW, provides a universal OAP of N$ 1 300.00 monthly income to all Namibian citizens and permanent residents over the age of 60 and the disabled, a double fold increase from N$ 600 in 2015. However, poverty is still the highest among old age pensioners (33%) and adults living with disability (5%) as compared to other vulnerable groups such as war veterans at 1.2%. This study aimed to explore whether, and how, social protection as financial aid in the form of grants, assists in alleviating poverty (absolute poverty) among the elderly and people living with disabilities in Namibia. This study employed a qualitative research design which was exploratory in nature. Semi-structured interviews were used as a tool for data collection and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that, even though the beneficiaries receive N$1 300.00 monthly, the funds are not enough to meet their basic needs as they still struggle to pay municipal bills, rent, and medical costs. Although beneficiaries use their grants for different expenses, the main expenses for the elderly were found to be food, household needs and municipal bills. For those living with disabilities,their main expenses constitute medical and rehabilitation costs, children’s school needs, and household needs. It was further found that the benefit received in the form of grants does not cover all needs due to annual inflation; however grant amounts are not increased every year which challenges the concept of “adaptive social protection”. The study recommends that the inability to afford necessities can be overcome through empowering citizens, especially the disabled, through creating businesses, by offering medical aid, and providing discounted water and electricity bills for these vulnerable groups. The government is further urged to re-evaluate the criteria of the food bank and to include the elderly and people with disabilities so as to reduce bills on food and promote “adaptive social protection”.