TIRI MASAWI
The Social Security Commission (SSC) is developing an online system that will allow communities, schools and organisations to apply for funding of up to N$100 000.
This information was revealed in a video screened at the Cinema at Maerua Mall during the launching of SSC products.
The Commission’s Communications Officer, Anthea Olivier said the new platform forms part of their efforts to make it easier for communities to access support through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
“Our new CSR portal will allow individuals, schools and organisations to apply online for funding from N$10 000 up to N$100 000,” she said on Friday.
In 2025, the Commission paid out nearly N$1 million through that process. The system is expected to go live within two months.
The policy targets individuals and institutions that can contribute to the Commission’s objectives and Namibia’s broader development goals. Its CSR programme focuses on education and skills development, youth and sports, disaster mitigation, health and safety, upgrades to public health facilities, support for vulnerable and marginalised communities such as the San, Ovazemba, Topnaar and Ovatwa, as well as environmental conservation, arts and culture, and other urgent social responsibility needs.
Olivier said the online system will replace the current manual application process used to distribute funds. “Once in place, the online system is expected to make applications quicker, simpler and accessible from anywhere. Now, everything will be done online quick, simple, and accessible from anywhere,” she said.
Anthea said the Commission believes the move will improve efficiency and widen access to funding, especially for communities in remote areas.
“Support is now at your fingertips,” Anthea said.
Speaking at the launch, minister of justice and labour relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel said SSC is a trendsetter in digital innovation within the public sector.
“Digital channels will ensure faster, more accessible and equitable services while contributing to socio-economic development, strengthening social protection and improving access to justice,” he said. Immanuel urged institutions across Namibia to embrace digital innovation as a catalyst for socio economic development.
INTERNAL TEAM SAVES SSC N$5 MILLION
The SSC says its internal information and communication technology team has developed digital services that are saving the organisation more than N$5 million.
The Commission has introduced a 24-hour online portal called mySSC, a Self-Service Point (SSP) machine that functions like an ATM, and Thuso, a chatbot that allows members of the public to ask questions and receive responses at any time of the day.
The development was revealed last week by SSC general manager for information and communication technology, Tersia Gowases, during the launch of the Commission’s digital services.
“The systems were developed internally and save the company about N$5 million a year compared to if this was done by an external company,” Gowases said.
She said the achievement reflects the organisation’s growing internal capacity and focus on building solutions tailored to its operational needs.
“What makes this journey especially meaningful is that it has been driven by our own people. We have grown internal capability, built solutions around our real operational needs, and created systems that belong to SSC,” she said.
Gowases added that in-house innovation strengthens ownership and long-term sustainability.
“It allows us to move smarter, save strategically, and keep building for the future with confidence,” she said.
COMMENTS