Nandi-Ndaitwah urges pensioners to be patient amid budget constraints
By: Ludorf Iyambo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on elderly Namibians to reduce their daily meals to just one, while the government figures out how to address the needs of the youth.
Her figure of speech implies that senior citizens should be patient with the government regarding their pension increases.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks during a recent visit to a centre for flood victims in Etunda, where she addressed concerns about the unchanged pension grant for senior citizens.
“I am on my knees, pleading with the pensioners to use the grants wisely, especially while we work towards addressing the youth’s plight.
I will see where I will start. I may not be able to solve all their problems at once, but I have to start somewhere. I believe our elders will understand my request,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She also addressed the ongoing public debate around a proposal by the late President Hage Geingob to increase the old-age pension to N$3000. According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, the former president did not intend for the increase to be immediate.
"I know the late president Hage Geingob said the pension should be increased to N$3000. However, he didn't say it should happen at once. People interpret things the way they understand it or instigate the public against the government, which represents everyone.
I heard what the late president said. He said the pension should be gradually increased to N$3000. For now, let us work together,” remarked the President.
Political analyst Ben Mulongeni has strongly criticised the President for what he termed as an unrealistic election promise to increase the grant from just over N$1 000 to N$3 000.
According to Mulongeni, such a commitment is not only financially implausible but also risks undermining public trust in political leadership.
“I was very sure that the President cannot make a promise to increase pension money from N$1000 something to N$3000. It's unrealistic, almost impossible.
Mulongeni emphasised the need for leaders to make credible and financially sound pledges during campaign seasons.
“When we campaign, we must make realistic promises that are understandable,” he said, adding that the President’s remarks were later contradicted by the Minister of Finance, who reportedly warned that such a hike in pensions would lead to hospital closures due to funding shortfalls.
Mulongeni questioned why such statements were made before consulting the finance ministry, saying it personifies a pattern of populist rhetoric.
“This is typical of politicians, just making a good statement to attract votes, which for me is immoral,” he said.
