Patience Makwele
Public anger is growing over salary increases for politicians, with many questioning the timing and priorities for salary increment.
The debate follows a proclamation by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday, approving new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament.
The changes took effect from 1 April and were based on recommendations from the Public Office Bearers (Remuneration and Benefits) Commission.
The increases come as public servants receive a 5% salary adjustment, while many face higher deductions, including contributions to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). The government has also cited limited funds when declining calls to increase pension grants.
Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said the gap between public servants and politicians in terms of salaries will add to frustration.
“It is unfortunate that public servants received only a 5% increase while facing rising costs, including higher medical contributions and the removal of allowances. Many are effectively worse off financially,” he said.
He said the situation raises concerns about fairness.
“At the same time, politicians have secured improved benefits, which raises serious concerns about fairness,” Kavihuha said.
Kavihuha said the decision could affect morale.
“Morale will definitely be affected. Workers are already under financial pressure and this kind of disparity increases stress and frustration.”
Under the new structure, top office bearers, including the prime minister and deputy prime minister, will receive total remuneration packages exceeding N$1.3 million a year, with benefits such as housing allowances, utilities and official transportation.
Veteran retired journalist Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro said the decision raises concerns about priorities.
“This is a matter of priorities. At this stage, increasing politicians’ salaries should not be a priority when many ordinary Namibians are struggling with the cost of living,” he said.
He said the move appears inconsistent with the government’s position on limited resources.
“The government has indicated limited resources when it comes to improving pensions and social support, yet it is now moving to increase salaries for politicians. That raises serious questions about consistency in decision-making.”
At the back of it, pensioners are also expressing disappointment as their hope for the old age grant to reach N$3 000 is taking longer than expected.
This old grant to reach N$3 000 was the dream of late president Hage Geingob.
A Windhoek pensioner said the increase in old-age grants does not match the rising cost of living.
“We only got an increase of N$100 on our pension after the president promised that we would be receiving N$3000.00 if we voted for her, but that promise was not fulfilled. The cost of living everywhere, whether in the city or rural areas, is extremely expensive because everything is expensive. Food, electricity, and transport – it is all going up,” the pensioner said.
“How is it fair that politicians are getting such big increases while we are struggling to survive? That money would make a real difference in our lives.”
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said N$58 million has been allocated in the 2026/27 financial year to improve salaries and benefits for public office bearers.
The total national budget stands at N$104 billion, with an operational budget of N$81.3 billion.
Some members of the public say while salary adjustments for politicians are guided by an independent commission, the increases risk, adding to public dissatisfaction at a time of financial pressure.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the decision raises serious equity concerns.
“The decision is difficult to justify on equity grounds. Increasing politicians’ salaries while public servants receive a modest 5% adjustment, amid rising living costs, creates a clear perception gap and suggests unequal burden-sharing,” he said.
He added that the move appears inconsistent with the government’s fiscal stance.
“If constraints were used to limit pension increases and other social spending, then prioritising higher compensation for political office bearers raises questions about policy coherence and credibility.”
