CBIG registration volunteers demand alleged overdue payments

A group of volunteers in Rundu who say they assisted with registering unemployed individuals for the N$600 Conditional Basic Income Grant (CBIG) have accused the ministry formerly known as the gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare ministry of failing to honour their payment agreements.The group said they worked for three weeks, from 5 to 21 December 2024, and were promised payment by 23 December. Now, more than three months later, they are still waiting.One of the volunteers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on Monday claimed they have been trying to get answers but to no avail. “They don’t pick up our calls, and when they do, they just tell us things that don’t make sense,” the volunteer said. “They promised that since we helped with registration, our payments would be processed first, but that never happened. No one even updates us.”The volunteers say the situation has left them in a difficult situation. Some borrowed money to cover transport costs to get to work, while others used their parents’ money to open bank accounts in expectation of payment.“We worked long hours, some days from 07:00 until 18:00, and now we have nothing to show for it,” another volunteer said. “It’s painful to see the people we registered receiving their grants while we have been left with nothing.”No answersWhen they last spoke to their supervisor, they were allegedly told that the CBIG programme was being transferred from the ministry, which was the reason for the delay. “Every time we call, they say supervisors are on leave or not in the office. How can someone be on leave from December until March?” one volunteer pointed out. Namibian Sun reached out to Kay Strauss, the group&#039;s supervisor, but he said that he could not comment on the matter. "You should reach out to the communication officer; I cannot comment on behalf of the ministry. All disputes and complaints are handled by the communications officer."When approached for a comment, ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku on Monday said:"... it&#039;s important to remember that some ministries were merged, and responsibilities were shifted from one ministry to another. As a result, this issue may now fall under the ministry of gender. We will be meeting next week to discuss the matter and address any questions."

CBIG registration volunteers demand alleged overdue payments

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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CBIG registration volunteers demand alleged overdue payments

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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