IPC pension to be needs-based, says Itula
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Dr Panduleni Itula says state pensions dispensed under his party’s administration will be needs-based, taking into account the circumstances of each recipient.
He made the comments during a community engagement at the Groot Aub settlement recently.
“Article 55 says the elderly will get a pension. Now, understand me well, the pension is not being given by a political party, the pension is your right as a citizen. You cannot beg for that pension, it is yours,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it is only N$1 300 and most of the elderly are raising children and are sick. That is not a liveable pension, it is just something to give so that they can say they gave you a pension. The IPC pension in future will ensure we know who you are, what your needs are, what your responsibilities are before we determine what it will be.”
Itula said Namibia is faced with many socio-economic problems that impact society.
“Two of the biggest problems we face in this country are poverty and unemployment. Now, if we are unemployed, where will we get money to buy food, to provide for our children?” he asked.
Itula also highlighted a recent incident where pensions and grants were not paid out to beneficiaries, saying the vulnerable were paying the price.
Namibian Sun reported last week that over 14 000 grant beneficiaries did not receive their monies.
“I understand most pensioners did not receive their pensions last week Friday [8 July] because of the manner in which the government categorises pensioners. Someone did something wrong then our pensions suffer, why?” he asked.
Good for the economy
Academic Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said IPC may be able to fund its mooted needs-based pension given the recent oil discoveries and the major anticipated investments in green hydrogen.
“With the much-touted discovery of oil and the production of green hydrogen, the party’s dream is not far-fetched, and could be easily achieved.
“So Namibian limited fiscal space will no longer be used as an excuse to marginalise the marginalised. IPC's Keynesian approach will be expansionary and good for the economy,” he said.
He made the comments during a community engagement at the Groot Aub settlement recently.
“Article 55 says the elderly will get a pension. Now, understand me well, the pension is not being given by a political party, the pension is your right as a citizen. You cannot beg for that pension, it is yours,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it is only N$1 300 and most of the elderly are raising children and are sick. That is not a liveable pension, it is just something to give so that they can say they gave you a pension. The IPC pension in future will ensure we know who you are, what your needs are, what your responsibilities are before we determine what it will be.”
Itula said Namibia is faced with many socio-economic problems that impact society.
“Two of the biggest problems we face in this country are poverty and unemployment. Now, if we are unemployed, where will we get money to buy food, to provide for our children?” he asked.
Itula also highlighted a recent incident where pensions and grants were not paid out to beneficiaries, saying the vulnerable were paying the price.
Namibian Sun reported last week that over 14 000 grant beneficiaries did not receive their monies.
“I understand most pensioners did not receive their pensions last week Friday [8 July] because of the manner in which the government categorises pensioners. Someone did something wrong then our pensions suffer, why?” he asked.
Good for the economy
Academic Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said IPC may be able to fund its mooted needs-based pension given the recent oil discoveries and the major anticipated investments in green hydrogen.
“With the much-touted discovery of oil and the production of green hydrogen, the party’s dream is not far-fetched, and could be easily achieved.
“So Namibian limited fiscal space will no longer be used as an excuse to marginalise the marginalised. IPC's Keynesian approach will be expansionary and good for the economy,” he said.
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