Iuze Mukube
The Social Security Commission (SSC) has paid out N$66.7 million in sick leave benefits over the past three years.
This information is contained in a recent presentation by SCC CEO Milka Mungunda as the Commission marked 29 years of existence.
Broken down, the Commission paid out N$20.4 million in 2021/22, N$22.8 million in 2022/23 and N$23.5 million during the 2023/24 financial year.
During the same period, the Commission also paid out N$32.18 million (2021/22), N$60.3 million (2022/23) and N$56.3 million (2023/24), respectively through its retirement benefit.
Furthermore, the Commission paid N$25.5 million through its different bursary schemes during the period under review.
“Going forward, effective 1 March 2025, we’ll have to reconsider increasing our maternity contribution for our maternity benefits. And we have made a commitment, as an institution, to make sure that every year, we are going to increase the ceiling.
“Women who go on maternity benefits are going to have more benefits, and the amount will increase. So, we are going to increase the ceiling. As far as the Employee Compensation Fund (ECF) is concerned, we also want to do that.”
The Commission’s total value of training amounted to N$66.8 million, while it also supported schemes to the value of N$45.5 million.
Mungunda made the remarks last Friday when the Commission commemorated Social Security Day.
At the same occasion, SCC board chairperson Markus Kampungu took the podium.
“As some of us may know, social protection is a human right, and is defined as a set of policies and programmes designed to reduce and prevent poverty and vulnerability throughout a person’s life cycle as well as to address unemployment, social exclusion and inequality. Across the world, social protection systems address all these policy areas, using a mix of contributory and non-contributory schemes to protect all members of a society from unmanageable risks and shocks that could expose them to undue financial hardships,” he said.
The SSC provides benefits in the following branches: medical care, sickness, unemployment, old age, employment injury, family, maternity, invalidity and survivors’ benefits.
“This should help us realise that the great work of SSC is part of a global bigger picture, and should encourage us to go the extra mile to contribute to a greater good of humanity,” he noted.
He continued: “Let us continue striving to leave positive footprints in their lives, as is expected of an institution of our stature. The world is not too poor to care. Namibia is not too poor to care. SSC is not too poor to care… I am confident that, together, we will continue to grow and achieve even greater success in the years to come”.
Since its inception in 1995, the SCC has maintained its position as a leader in social security both in Africa and globally, deputy labour minister Hafeni Ndemula said.
He stated that the occasion reflected the essential role the institution has played over the years and will continue to play in providing social security protection to hundreds of thousands of working Namibians and, by extension, to their families.
“I am proud to say, as a nation, we have made significant strides in creating a sustainable social protection system. And much of our progress is a result of the support of our government and the hard work and dedication of the entire SSC,” he said.
The deputy minister added the occasion also reflected on the profound impact the SSC has on Namibia’s national development, with its efforts having a direct and positive impact on the lives of countless Namibians.
Of importance, the SSC has begun its journey of embracing innovative ways to improve service delivery through digital channels, and the future of social protection in this new era lies in digital transformation, increased inclusivity and a forward-thinking approach to policy frameworks.
“This would ensure that social security is accessible to every Namibian, regardless of location or economic circumstances,” he emphasised.
–mukubeiuze@gmail.com