Speaking on behalf of the Namibian Minister of Labour and Social Welfare  Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Ms. Vicky Ya Toivo said that the Government of the Republic  of Namibia supports such initiatives by the ISSA, which is an active partner of  the International Labour Organization (ILO). “The Namibian Government wishes to  see more collaboration amongst the various actors in our society. This, we hope,  will eventually lead to a coordinated approach between institutions and  countries in terms of providing social protection.” she added.

Delivering the background and purpose of the seminar, the Chairperson of the  Steering Committee for the ISSA Liaison Office for Southern Africa, Mr. Vusi  Madonsela, emphasized that issues concerning the fiscal framework which impact  on social security need to be addressed, especially in the Southern Africa  Region. He appealed to participants to inform themselves about technical as well  as policy matters so as to be better equipped on how to improve social security  back home.

Mr. John Woodall from the International Labour Office made a presentation on the “Political economy of reform” outlining the policy and social responses to the  financial crisis in different countries. The participants shared, compared and  discussed their respective experiences; all concurring that there is a need for  extensive reform in social security, particularly in the Southern Africa Region.  

In his closing remarks, the CEO of the Social Security Commission, Mr. Hangula, encouraged participants to foster a spirit of dynamism in addressing  the plight of citizens in need of social security.