Allexer Namundjembo
Social grant beneficiaries have expressed disappointment with Namibia Post Limited (Nampost) over the way social grants are being distributed.
This has led to many calling for the return of Epupa Investment Technology (EIT).
Beneficiaries who spoke to the Windhoek Observer said grant payouts have become slow and difficult since Nampost took over, unlike when Epupa handled the process.
Some beneficiaries reported that the situation escalated last week due to ongoing long queues and delays.
Emma Amakali, a pension grant beneficiary, said distributions were faster and more organised under Epupa.
“It was never this chaotic. Now you go to a post office at 04h00 am but still return home at 17h00 without being assisted,” Amakali said.
She added that she hopes the ministry reconsiders its decision.
“It is my wish that the ministry reconsider its decision to rearward Epupa so it gets back to normal,” she said.
Another beneficiary, 74-year-old Malakia Nickodemus from Okongo, said elderly people are struggling to access their grants.
He said they travel long distances to town hoping to receive payments, only to return home empty-handed.
“This time we really need funds. We have children returning to school, but with this type of service, it is just stressing us. Some of us have high blood pressure, and the situation is adding to the stress,” he said.
Nickodemus also called for Epupa to be brought back.
“We never struggled. It used to come deep in the villages, but now we have to look for the services, which is inconvenient and expensive,” he said.
Epupa previously served as the government’s contracted service provider for distributing social grants, including old-age, disability and child grants, across the country. The company delivered payments directly to beneficiaries in towns and remote villages.
In 2025, the Ministry of Finance decided not to renew Epupa’s contract and awarded the new tender to Nampost.
Epupa’s contract ended on 30 September 2025, with Nampost taking over distribution from 1 October 2025.
Epupa challenged the decision in the High Court, but the court dismissed the urgent application, allowing the transition to proceed.
The government said the change was part of its efforts to improve efficiency, cut costs and promote financial inclusion.
The switch also affected Epupa employees, who were not guaranteed jobs under the new system.
Public frustration has grown since the transition.
On Friday, member of parliament Job Amupanda shared an incident on social media from Eenhana, where an elderly woman reportedly waited in line from 05h00 until 14h00 without receiving her grant.
She later collapsed and was taken away by ambulance.
Amupanda criticised the situation, saying the government’s ‘business unusual’ approach was placing unnecessary pressure on vulnerable citizens.
