A small group of shebeen owners, whose illegal outlets were closed, are still camping on the pavement in front of the National Assembly building, demanding the immediate re-opening of their shebeens. Yet, the Namibian government wants to rather look into the diversification of economic opportunities for shebeen owners to other small and medium enterprises with government assistance. A new inter-ministerial committee was set up after protest marches and petitions of those shebeen owners, whose drinking outlets were closed. "While economic benefits are derived from shebeen operations given the high unemployment rate in the country, alcohol consumption has a number of negative consequences … these negative effects of alcohol abuse puts pressure on the government in that the police budget has to be increased annually to fight crime, the health ministry has to treat victims of alcohol abuse and the ministry of gender equality and child welfare has to take care of orphans due to HIV/Aids deaths and child neglect", the Cabinet briefing paper dated form Thursday, outlined. Civil society organisations like the Council of Churches, Council of Traditional leaders, and the NGO-Forum (Nangof)

Supported the government’s efforts to maintain the social order in the country and agreed that the Police should be encouraged to carry out their mandate without undue pressure, the Cabinet briefing paper said.