Auleria Wakudumo
Several pensioners have voiced their inability to afford the ordered minimum domestic worker’s wage by the ministry of labour.
The pensioners said without extra income or help from relatives, they are struggling to meet the rising cost of domestic help.
Many village pensioners depend solely on their pensions to cover household expenses.
As of 1 January 2025, the minimum wage for domestic workers will be N$12 an hour.
It will rise to N$15 an hour from 1 January 2026 and reach N$18 an hour from 1 January 2027.
This means that if a housekeeper works eight hours a day for 30 days, their total monthly salary will amount to N$2 880.
This amount is nearly double the pension grant, which is only N$1 600 per month.
Petrina Sheehama, an 80-year-old from Oshinyadhila village in the Oshana region, said she splits her pension money with her housekeeper.
“I pay her N$800 monthly, which is half of my grant. I was not aware that there is a set wage requirement for domestic workers. Here, we just negotiate with trustworthy people who are looking for employment, since we can no longer manage on our own due to old age,” she revealed.
Another pensioner does not live with anyone to help her, apart from her young grandkids, due to the situation.
“I have to buy groceries, pay my water bills and ensure I have transport money for the hospital,” she stated.
Over time, the ministry has taken steps to discourage the practice of paying employees, including domestic workers, below the minimum wage.
The acting labour ministry spokesperson Elias Amunyela said the ministry advises employers who are unable to afford the ordered wage, including pensioners, to formally write to the minister of labour for a possible exemption.
This step is intended to prevent pensioners from facing legal action from employees, who may claim they are not receiving sufficient pay.
The employer must provide clear reason, explaining why they cannot afford the required wage.
However, it is ultimately up to the minister to decide whether to grant an exemption if deemed appropriate.