Retired bishop Kameeta becomes minister for poverty reduction

The former bishop and UEM moderator Dr Zephania Kameeta will become minister for poverty reduction and social care in Namibia. Kameeta was appointed for heading the new ministry last Saturday by prime minister and designated president Hage Geingob. Kameetas task will be to improve the general living standard in the country.

Basic Income Grant

Kameeta became well-known worldwide for his engagement in the "Basic Income Grant" (BIG) in the Namibian village of Otjivero. From 2008 on, every inhabitant of this village has been getting seven Euro montly. The pilot project has been significantly supported by several German UEM member churches and the UEM itself. The results were promising: Poverty, illnesses and criminality were reported to have been substantially reduced.

Big divide between rich and poort

Prime minister Geingob declared the wide-spread poverty in Namibia the greatest challenge for the country. The goal shall be to have appropriate housing and food supply for everyone. Namibia is one of the countries with the biggest divide between rich and poor worldwide.