Nujoma's cushy retirement

2005-02-19 11:36

Windhoek - It is the type of retirement package that even those leaders most wedded to their jobs might be seduced by.

When outgoing Namibian president Sam Nujoma hands over power to his successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, on March 21, he will continue receiving the same monthly salary as the new leader of the country.

For the first year of retirement, Nujoma will also receive an extra gratuity equal to a year's salary (which amounts to just over $71 000 dollars).

All of this money will be tax-exempt.

Three cars will be provided for Nujoma: a Mercedes Benz S500 (which currently retails locally for about $146 000), a four wheel drive station wagon and a light truck.

'It's a fortune'

Namibian taxpayers will also foot the bill for about ten security personnel, three drivers, two private secretaries, two personal assistants, two office attendants, three domestic workers, three gardeners, two cooks, two waiters and two laundry persons to run Nujoma's household.

In addition, he will get an office equipped with computers, telephones, furniture and other materials as may be determined by the cabinet. Provision has also been made for medical cover, first class seats on international flights and local travel - as well as entertainment, water and electricity expenses.

The bill authorising these benefits, which opposition parties voted against, became law towards the end of last year.

Carola Engelbrecht, secretary general of the Republican Party, told IPS that she was not opposed to a reasonable retirement package being provided for the president.

However, it was "incomprehensible" that Nujoma could have accepted the benefits granted to him, given current levels of poverty in Namibia: "Where is the empathy for his people who have struggled and suffered with him before independence?"

The ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), with its two thirds majority in parliament, was able to disregard the wishes of opposition parties in this matter.

But, this hasn't prevented Nujoma's package from becoming a topic of lively discussion amongst Namibian citizens.

"It's not a pension, it's a fortune," says Rosa Uiras, a domestic worker and the single parent of three children.

According to the latest United Nations Human Development Report, almost 35% of Namibians live below the poverty line of $1 a day.

Nujoma became the first president of Namibia (formerly known as South West Africa) after the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990. This was preceded by an armed struggle spearheaded by Swapo, that began in 1966.

The president was re-elected to office in 1994 and 1999. Reports indicate that he is set to pursue geology studies at the University of Namibia after stepping down next month. - IPS

- SAPA