Economic Empowerment through BIG Campaign

Katutura

There is an economic crisis in Namibia. One defined by extreme inequalities that plague all facets of society. It cannot be overlooked. It cannot be avoided. Namibia ranks with South Africa and Brazil as the most unequal countries in the world. 4,000 white farmers own 80% of the agricultural land. The population of people in poverty is around 50%. Economic issues remain at an all time critical state, even 20 years after the end of apartheid. The current government in Namibia hasn’t done enough for those in abject poverty. By following a neo-liberalist economic system that allows foreign companies to mines its own resources and give them various incentives such as tax breaks, it has overlooked the plight of the poor. A new program of economic empowerment is the word on the street. It has intrigued academia, united the church on a common social justice interest and kept those in favor of a universal system of social welfare in excited support.

Katutura

The Basic Income Grant (BIG) campaign if implemented would give every Namibian N $100 each month. This would be paid for by the rich through the tax system and bring the poorest out of abject poverty. One of the strengths is in its universal approach, which limits inefficiencies. It doesn’t have to be determined who is in poverty as all receive the check and avoids the social stigmas of calling someone poor. The counter-argument of dependency is not that strong as N $100 is equivalent to U.S.$ 15 which is definitely not enough to live off. It has already been tested in a northern village in Namibia with promising results. This pilot project saw a decrease of household poverty from 76% to 37%, high school dropout rates from 40%-5% and household debt from an average debt of N$ 1,215- N$ 772. Also it saw an increase in employment and people with access to health care. Some of my American colleagues were initially skeptical, but many warmed up to the idea with renewed vigor.

Newly build presidents palace

So far the Namibian president, Pohamba like most other politicians here in Namibia is not in support of the BIG campaign. It remains to be a challenge to change perspectives of people in power. Church campaigns have had more success in bringing people together for justice. This movement seeks to bring awareness to the poor, so that they can get really involved in the campaigns and push for change. It is by no means a sound proof system. The long term plan is unknown. What happens if the program is in full swing and the government wants to wean it off? What happens if the program isn’t successful but has already been put in motion on the national level? Regardless of the potential problems, the largest question to pose is what happens if we don’t do anything? The economic state of the country is at a crisis level with over 51% unemployment and the rate has been on the increase in the last 30 years. It remains the best working answer to the problem of income inequality in Namibia. I will keep an eye out for BIG campaigns and see what I can do to raise awareness.