The implementation of a system concerning services of general public
interest has become a relevant issue in fighting poverty, not only for
the German government and many development organizations, but also for
many Southern African governments. A study, which was commissioned by
the Namibian government, considers the Basic Income Grant an appropriate
concept in order to overcome poverty in a country with an exceptionally
high rate of income inequality. Although South Africa faces an
increasing pressure from its poor sections of society and thus has been
influenced by this debate, it decided against the BIG and in favour of a
sophisticated system of conditional social security.
Despite of
various external recommendations, the Namibian government so far has
not committed itself to the BIG. Against this background, an alliance
consisting of various civil society organisations under the leadership
of the Lutheran Church and its Bishop Zephania Kameeta, has originated a
pilot project for the Basic Income Grant.
Walk the Talk: The Pilot Project in Otjivero/Omitara
Between
January 2008 and December 2009, 1000 people living in the village of
Otjivero, located around 80 kilometres away from the capital Windhoek,
received an unconditional monthly payment of 100N$ (around 8 Euros).
This project was accompanied scientifically and quickly led to stunning
results. In our first semi-annual report we already could display the
proof that the BIG actually offers a way to abate poverty.
The
Namibian coalition now attempts to convince the Namibian government of
the sensuousness of a countrywide implementation of the BIG.
KASA
accompanies the work of the BIG coalition and contributes experiences
of the Namibian project to the German debate of a Basic Income. At the
same time, KASA discusses the BIG in line with our work on “Civil
Society Alternatives to Neoliberal Globalisation” with our Southern
African partners.
