NamPost to launch grant payments pilot next week

Namibia Post Limited (NamPost) will begin piloting social grant cash payments next week as it prepares to take over nationwide distribution from Epupa Investment Technology.

Payments will commence at the Okahandja and Omitara post offices on Thursday, as well as at Groot Aub and Otjimbingwe.

NamPost spokesperson Joseph Theofelus says the payments will be done as part of a pilot payout programme to test NamPost’s readiness ahead of the countrywide cash payment programme.

He says this in a press release issued on Tuesday.

Theofelus says thereafter social grant beneficiaries and stakeholders can expect the payment of old-age grants from 13 October, followed by child and disability grants on 16 October and conditional basic income grants from 20 October.

“We require all procurators to be accompanied by beneficiaries during the October or November payment cycle. Furthermore, beneficiaries with multiple grants can collect their grants during their first visit.

“In terms of mobile payments, these will also commence on 13 October and will be communicated through radio stations, community notice boards, and NamPost’s social media platforms,” he says.

Theofelus says beneficiaries who miss their scheduled payout dates can visit any NamPost branch from 23 to 29 October to collect their grants.

Theofelus says says re-registration has started and will be conducted alongside the payments programme.

“For bedridden beneficiaries, the procurator or representative of the beneficiary is advised to inform NamPost or their local councillor’s office,” he says.

The Ministry of Finance in July announced that NamPost would become the official service provider for the cash distribution of social grants across the country from 1 October.

It says this arrangement aims to improve service efficiency, enhance financial inclusion and ensure convenient access to social grants for all eligible recipients.

The announcement has caused concern over job losses at Epupa Investment Technology, which had been tasked with distributing old-age, disability and other social grants before the takeover.

Epupa employees say they have been given one month’s notice, which came abruptly and disrupted their future planning.

Responding to a question from Swanu member of parliament Evilastus Kaaronda in parliament, minister of finance Ericah Shafudah recently acknowledged the concerns of over 100 Epupa employees who are faced with possible job losses.

She said while the government cannot dictate employment decisions in private service contracts, it expects a level of continuity and consideration for experienced workers.

“These are people who have been working in this field for many years. They are Namibians, and they will be unemployed, so any service provider would be wise to capitalise on their experience and skills,” Shafudah said.

NamPost acting managing director Eldorette Harmse has encouraged the affected employees to apply for vacancies advertised by NamPost.

“In this regard, NamPost has already advertised vacancies and encourages these employees to apply for the available positions. Through this approach, NamPost seeks to ensure continuity of service, while at the same time aligning with recruitment practices that are transparent and fair,” she says.

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