By Stefanus Nashama

The relationship between the government and outgoing social grant distributor, Epupa Investment Technology has now entered the courtroom over a string of contractual differences, the Ministry Finance and Social Grant Management confirmed.
This comes just weeks before the 14-year marriage is expected to end as government recently announced that NamPost will as of 01 October, takeover the payment of social grants. 
Some lawmakers also said several questions remain unanswered, including NamPost’s readiness to assume the responsibility and the procurement process that led to its selection. At the centre of the dispute is government’s request for Epupa to carry out double payments to beneficiaries for the month of September and October September, which could risk a total of N$600 million grant money. 
This would result in Epupa vans carrying more than N$8 million between stops and concerns are high over the security risk of allowing an outgoing to carry such a vast amount of money on the streets.  
Furthermore, the transition also places the jobs of more than 120 Epupa employees at stake, as the company prepares to exit its role in cash grant distribution.
A document from the ministry, dated 19 August 2025, seen by Confidente, confirms that there is no provision in the bidding documents for Epupa employees to be absorbed by NamPost. This was in response to queries raised by the Namibia Financial Institutions Union (NAFINU).
“Is there a provision in the new tender for the transfer of employees from Epupa Investments Technology to NamPost? It indeed there is such a provision, how many employees will be considered for redeployment?” the union wrote.
In response, the ministry did, however, point out that the bidding documents state: “Screening process of staff already employed by the current contractor (Epupa) to facilitate cash payment activity to give them preference. Vetting of applicants, including checks on identification and character, and the experience and qualifications required in order to perform the duties allocated.”
The ministry further encouraged NAFINU to engage directly with NamPost regarding its recruitment and retention policy.
NAFINU general secretary, Asnath Zamuee, on Thursday told Confidente that they were not pleased by the response from the ministry. “Of course, we are not happy. It is not right for the government to throw employees on the street,” Zamuee said.
She said Epupa employees were not included in the new tender and that they will not receive retrenchment packages.
“These employees were on fixed-term contracts and some of them have worked for Epupa for many years. They cannot be victimized just like that.”
Zamuee said the union is still engaging NamPost to see if it will take up some of the employees.

ON THE ROLL
The ministry of finance’s spokesperson Wilson Shikoto indicated that Epupa has dragged the government to court over losing the tender. 
“We cannot comment on allegations or answer questions related to the Epupa. The matter is in court,” said Shikoto.
In response to questions sent to Epupa, chief executive officer, Shali Ben Elungu said they are currently engaging the ministry regarding their commitment and instruction for a double payment this month.
“While we have raised concerns about the financial and operational risks associated with such an arrangement, we are confident that an amicable solution will be found that protects all parties, especially the beneficiaries,” said Elungu
“To date, we have not received formal communication from the ministry regarding NamPost taking over the distribution of social grants. We are aware that NamPost had participated in the previous bidding process, and we await official confirmation and guidance from the authorities on this matter.”
Elungu also explained that Epupa remain deeply concerned about the future of the employees, particularly in the current climate of high unemployment.
“When Epupa took-over/assumed responsibility for the grants payment contract, we absorbed existing employees and subsequently created additional jobs. We have formally engaged the government on the issue of staff welfare going forward, but we are still awaiting direction. Decisions on this matter ultimately rest with the ministry and/or NamPost, who would be best placed to provide clarity.”
He said since inception, Epupa has consistently disbursed grant funds securely and efficiently, without any loss of funds.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that beneficiaries continue to receive their grants reliably and safely throughout this transition.”
“It is worth noting that Epupa’s initial agreement was concluded with the Ministry of Gender, which had been managing the process for several years. The Ministry of Finance only became directly involved in contract management from April 2025. As such, the ministry is relatively new to the day-to-day operations and the inherent risks associated with social grant disbursements. This makes ongoing consultation and close coordination especially important to ensure a smooth and risk-mitigated transition.”