Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Person

Ben Nangombe

Also known as: Nangome

2024-02-212026-10-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. October 2026
  2. Windhoek Observer

    Ben Nangombe was appointed acting executive officer for six months from 1 August 2026

    Source

    “Ben Nangombe was subsequently appointed acting executive officer for six months from 1 August 2026.”

    SSC surplus rises to N$806.7 million
  3. September 2026
  4. The Namibian

    SSC acting chief executive Ben Nangombe stated employees earning N$500 contribute N$4 per month to SSC

    Source

    “Employees earning a basic salary of N$500, according to SSC acting chief executive Ben Nangombe, contribute N$4 per month, while those earning between N$501 and N$12 000 contribute 0.9% of their basic salary.”

    Social Security Commission benefits to increase from 1 October
  5. August 2026
  6. The Namibian

    SSC chief executive Ben Nangombe says 15.91% contribution rate comes from actuarial valuation representing general average premium

    Source

    “Nangombe says a contribution figure of 15.91% comes from an actuarial valuation and represents the general average premium (GAP), calculated as the contribution rate needed to balance the fund's income and expenditure over a 100-year projection period.”

    New pension plan to stretch pockets
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Ben Nangombe was seconded to lead the Social Security Commission

    Source

    “Following the secondment of Ben Nangombe to lead the Social Security Commission (SSC) last week, sources have come forward in support of the salary reforms proposed by justice and labour relations minister, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, revealing a skewed remuneration structure that sees the lowest earners at the commission taking home more than teachers on a cost-to-company basis.”

    Cleaners at Social Security earn more than teachers
  8. July 2026
  9. The Namibian

    Ben Nangombe said Namibia is working to build systems that are better coordinated, respond to future challenges and support efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

    Source

    “Welcoming the delegates, executive director of justice and labour relations Ben Nangombe said Namibia is working to build systems that are better coordinated, respond to future challenges and support efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards.”

    ‘Africa must stop talking big and acting small’
  10. Informanté

    Ben Nangombe explained that the consultative meetings will bring together a broad range of stakeholders

    Source

    “Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, explained that the consultative meetings will bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including employers, employees, trade unions, employer organisations, local and regional authorities, educational and training institutions, civil society organisations, youth organisations, jobseekers, organisations representing persons with disabilities, development partners and members of the public.”

    Labour ministry hosts regional consultations on amendment of Employment Service Act
  11. Informanté

    Ben Nangombe noted that the regional consultations will be conducted in all 14 regions

    Source

    “He further noted that the regional consultations will be conducted in all 14 regions, according to a scheduled programme.”

    Labour ministry hosts regional consultations on amendment of Employment Service Act
  12. March 2026
  13. Informanté

    Ben Nangombe raised concerns that ILO could face funding-related mandate execution challenges

    Source

    “Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, however, raised concerns that the ILO, which sets global labour standards and promotes fair labour practices, could experience challenges in executing its mandate due to funding constraints, and called on member states to honour financial obligations to the body.”

    Funding pressures risk ILO mandate execution
  14. April 2025
  15. The Namibian

    Mining ministry executive director Ben Nangombe echoed the minister's sentiments about focus and proactive service delivery

    Source

    “Mining ministry executive director Ben Nangombe echoed the minister's sentiments, urging staff members to remain focused and proactive in delivering a comprehensive and responsive strategic plan.”

    Ithete commits to rural electrification
  16. January 2025
  17. The Namibian

    Ben Nangombe said rising malaria cases are imported, mainly from Angola

    Source

    “"Many of the cases we are reporting are imported from elsewhere, mainly from Angola . . ," he said.”

    Namibia’s rising malaria crisis linked to cross-border infections – health ministry
Business

Social Security Commission surplus rises to N$806.7 million

The News

The Social Security Commission recorded a net comprehensive surplus of N$806.7 million for the year ended 28 February 2026, up from N$518.7 million previously, with total assets reaching N$6.91 billion. The commission was also selected to manage the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme and directed to implement the National Medical Benefit Fund, which aims to make medical expenses more affordable and extend coverage to low-income workers.

2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 2 October

  1. Social Security Commission surplus rises to N$806.7 million

    The Social Security Commission recorded a net comprehensive surplus of N$806.7 million for the year ended 28 February 2026, up from N$518.7 million previously, with total assets reaching N$6.91 billion. The commission was also selected to manage the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme and directed to implement the National Medical Benefit Fund, which aims to make medical expenses more affordable and extend coverage to low-income workers.

    2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Unions call for statutory paternity leave in Namibia

    Workers' unions are demanding that the government introduce paternity leave to allow both parents to care for newborn babies. The justice and labour relations minister announced increases in maternity and other SSC benefits effective 1 October, but said Namibia currently has no statutory paternity leave provision, though employers may introduce it at their discretion.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Social Security Commission benefits increase from 1 October

    Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel announced that Social Security Commission benefits will increase from 1 October, including maternity benefits rising from N$15,000 to N$20,000, sick leave benefits rising from N$11,250 to N$15,000 for the first 12 months and from N$9,750 to N$13,000 for the final 12 months, and death, retirement and disability benefits each rising from N$12,000 to N$15,000. The increases are intended to protect worker dignity and provide greater income security during illness, childbirth, disability or death.

    22 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 17 August

  1. Proposed compulsory pension contributions worry businesses, workers

    Businesses and workers face potential financial pressure over compulsory contributions under a planned national pension fund. Employers warn that the contributions could squeeze struggling small businesses and reduce take-home pay for low-income employees, with concerns that adding another statutory obligation could discourage hiring.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Social Security cleaners earn more than teachers, sources say

    Sources tell the Windhoek Observer that cleaners at the Social Security Commission earn approximately N$18,000 monthly, more than teachers on a cost-to-company basis, revealing a skewed remuneration structure as new leadership prepares salary reforms.

    4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Business Africa urges productive enterprise to lift African poverty

    Business Africa's head of research told an African Union meeting in Windhoek that productive businesses creating jobs and wealth are the most effective way to address persistent poverty, limited fiscal resources, and rising citizen demands across Africa. He called for stronger regional economies to support weaker ones through social dialogue on issues including social protection, labour migration, and child protection.

    30 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 July

  1. Labour ministry begins regional consultations on Employment Service Act

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations is hosting regional consultative meetings from August to 16 September 2026 on amending the Employment Service Act, bringing together employers, employees, trade unions, civil society, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to share experiences, identify implementation challenges, and propose recommendations to strengthen employment services.

    27 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 March

  1. ILO funding crisis threatens labour standards work globally

    Namibia's delegation at the UN International Labour Organisation's governing body raised concerns that funding challenges, including a projected deficit of US$52.6 million by end of fiscal year 2024/25 and potential loss of 350 positions, could hamper the ILO's ability to execute its global mandate. The Executive Director of Namibia's Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations called on member states to honour financial obligations and warned that Namibia, which lacks its own ILO office and depends on technical support from South Africa, risks disproportionate impact from proposed cuts to travel and technical missions.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 27 February

  1. N$2.9bn Windhoek district hospital construction delayed two years

    Construction of a planned 500-bed state hospital in Windhoek's Havana settlement has not yet commenced, two years after a 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, despite being scheduled for 2027 completion. Residents and opposition parties question the project's progress, while the health ministry reports that preliminary infrastructure work including road and utility connections is underway.

    27 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Ben Nangombe — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute