Allexer Namundjembo
Policy analyst Lazarus Kwedhi has questioned whether the proposed N$1.43 million salary package for the information commissioner is justified.
He said the role does not generate revenue.
In a telephonic interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, Kwedhi said the advertised remuneration package is excessive.
“The position is not a monetary performance-based one. We should look at how much will be generated through the position. It must be measured. It is a waste of resources. In terms of revenue, what will it contribute? We already have the Minister of Information and the executive director in the ministry. It must be tailor-made to that,” he said.
Kwedhi compared the role to executives in revenue-generating parastatals.
“If you look at the payments of the bosses at the parastatals, you will understand that some of the positions are generating revenues. In the case of NamPower, you have to analyse and find out the profits made by the firm and how much revenue is created,” he explained.
He questioned the need for the position, saying the government already has an information minister.
“All crucial government information is with Intelligence. What will the commissioner do?” he asked.
The position was created under the Access to Information Act of 2022.
The law was passed by the National Assembly on 29 November 2022 and assented to by then president President Hage Geingob the same day.
The bill was first tabled in June 2020 and went through consultations and parliamentary debate before its approval.
The act establishes an independent office of the information commissioner to monitor, promote and protect the right of access to information held by public and private bodies.
According to the National Assembly advertisement, the Information Commissioner will earn an annual salary of N$1.43 million with a non-taxable income of N$10 000.
The package includes a motor vehicle allowance based on the purchase price of a benchmark luxury vehicle such as a Mercedes-Benz E400 or BMW 52Bi, financed over 54 months at 17.5% interest, plus running costs. The allowance may vary depending on the vehicle purchased.
Other benefits include a housing allowance of N$13 269 per month, a furniture allowance of N$50 000 over the five-year term, and a monthly water and electricity allowance of N$4 020.
The commissioner will also receive an official vehicle and security at home and for personal protection.
Once operational, the office will work with designated information officers in public and private institutions to help citizens access records and understand their rights.
Former executive director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Audrin Mathe, who had been rumoured to be considered for the position, dismissed the claims.
“Out of interest, the whole Parliament will make a law to suit one individual?” he said.
He added that he does not respond to rumours.
Civil society groups and media organisations have welcomed the act, saying it strengthens transparency and accountability.
In 2022, Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) director Graham Hopwood described the passing of the bill as a historic moment.
He said it marked a new chapter in Namibia’s governance framework and urged lawmakers at the time to move quickly to implement it as law.
