Allexer Namundjembo
Former President Nangolo Mbumba will receive full presidential benefits despite serving for only one year in office after the death of former President Hage Geingob in February last year.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari confirmed that Mbumba is entitled to benefits in line with the Presidential Remuneration and Other Benefits Act 5 of 2016.
“President Mbumba will be provided with a small number of staff members and an office, consistent with the entitlements of a former president,” Hengari said.
The Act provides former presidents with an office, administrative support, security and medical aid for themselves, their spouses, and legally dependent children, all funded by the State Revenue Fund.
These benefits are not subject to income tax.
Mbumba will also receive a pension and allowances as set out in the Former Presidents’ Pension and Other Benefits Act of 2004.
According to the law, a former president is entitled to a monthly pension equal to either their last basic salary or 80% of the sitting president’s salary, whichever is greater. In addition, a gratuity equal to the last annual salary for each term served is provided.
The Government Gazette of 10 March 2017 states that the first former president receives an annual remuneration of N$1,376,085, which amounts to N$114,673.75 per month.
It also indicates that former presidents receive N$1,159,260 per year, equivalent to N$96,605 per month, all tax-exempt.
In the event of a former president’s death, their spouse is entitled to 75% of the pension. If no spouse survives, the benefit is allocated to dependent children under 21.
Where a president dies in office, an additional gratuity is paid to the spouse or dependent.
Pensions remain protected from legal claims, except for debts to the state or court-ordered maintenance.
Mbumba joins former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba in receiving these benefits.
Nujoma and Pohamba were both provided with offices, staff, and security by the state after their terms.
Pohamba continues to be active through the Hifikepunye Pohamba Foundation, which supports projects in education, health, and social welfare.
The treatment of all former presidents remains consistent under the legal framework, ensuring uniform application of entitlements regardless of the length of service.
