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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Social Security Commission

Also known as: SSC · Social Security Commission of Namibia

Social Security Commission — Namibian organization managing retirement benefits, maternity and sick leave, and other worker protections; recently increased benefits and managing public medical aid scheme.

2023-06-042026-10-22

News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. May 2026
  2. Namibian Sun

    Social Security Commission had its CEO search abruptly suspended due to salary concerns

    Source

    “The hunt for the next chief executive of the Social Security Commission (SSC) has been abruptly suspended after Cabinet raised alarm over what it views as inflated executive salari...”

    SSC CEO hunt frozen over salary, member benefit mismatch
  3. The Namibian

    Social Security Commission requested procurement exemption under Section 4(2) of Public Procurement Act, 2015

    Source

    “The SSC requested an exemption in a letter dated 17 February under Section 4(2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2015 for the procurement, implementation and operationalisation of systems for the National Pension Fund (NPF), National Medical Benefit Fund (NMBF) and the Public Servants Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas).”

    SSC’s N$43.8m tender exemption hits a wall
  4. April 2026
  5. The Namibian

    Social Security Commission conducts technical assessments and calculations for employee compensation

    Source

    “Technical assessments and calculations are conducted by the Social Security Commission, while payments are effected by the ministry.”

    N$4.9m paid to 258 Govt employees injured on duty
  6. March 2026
  7. The Namibian

    Social Security Commission have made meaningful progress in digitising processes

    Source

    “Institutions such as the Business and Intellectual Property Authority, the Namibia Revenue Agency and the Social Security Commission have made meaningful progress in digitising their processes.”

    When Policy Moves Slowly, Innovation Suffers
  8. New Era

    Social Security Commission of Namibia sponsored N$20 million for the dialysis centre at Keetmanshoop District Hospital

    Source

    “The state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of N$5 million from the N$20 million sponsored by the Social Security Commission of Namibia, will soon be supplied with more medical equipment to become operational soonest.”

    Keetmans gets dialysis centre
  9. New Era

    Social Security Commission funded nine Level 3 Certificate in Clothing Production students

    Source

    “Nine students receiving fully-funded bursaries from the Social Security Commission (SSC) to study a Level 3 Certificate in Clothing Production at the International Training College Lingua have raised concerns regarding insufficient monthly allowances and hostel living conditions.”

    SCC-funded Lingua students cry foul …  threaten protest
  10. September 2025
  11. The Namibian

    Social Security Commission donated equipment for welding and boiler-making workshop

    Source

    “Apart from the M+Z donation, the Social Security Commission has also donated equipment for the welding and boiler-making workshop.”

    Advanced automotive technology needs new motor technicians

Friday 16 October

  1. Ministry prioritizes vulnerable grant for highest-need families

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has established a priority framework for the Vulnerable Grant, placing families with twins or triplets, households facing extreme food insecurity, and children unable to attend school due to financial hardship at the front of the queue for assistance.

    16 October 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 11 October

  1. SSC considering age-55 benefit claims, not forced retirement

    The Social Security Commission says allowing members to claim benefits from age 55 would not force earlier retirement, as the change concerns only the age for claiming benefits, not employer-set retirement ages. The proposal, currently under review and not yet approved, would lower the qualifying age for the MSD Fund benefit from 60 to 55 and requires actuarial assessment and government approval.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 4 October

  1. Outgoing ACC chief cautions against expecting swift convictions

    Outgoing Anti-Corruption Commission director general Paulus Noa has warned that the public should not expect the ACC to secure convictions in every corruption case, saying the law and courts must take their course. Noa ended his 20-year tenure after helping establish the ACC in 2006 and handed over to incoming director general Bryan Eiseb.

    4 October 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

  2. Social Security maternity benefit raised to N$20,000 from October

    The Social Security Commission maternity benefit has been increased from N$15,000 to N$20,000, effective 1 October 2026, announced by the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations. PDM MP Winnie Moongo, a long-time advocate for improved maternity support, welcomed the change as a significant step for working women, though she noted further improvements are still needed.

    23 September 2026 · New Era →

  3. Minister warns statutory paternity leave could limit workplace productivity

    Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the Windhoek Observer that introducing statutory paternity leave in Namibia could see some fathers spending an entire year away from work if they have children with multiple partners, potentially affecting labour force productivity. Namibia currently has no law providing statutory paternity leave, though employers may offer it through workplace policies.

    23 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

  2. SSC benefits increase from October 2026

    Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel announced that Social Security Commission benefits will increase effective 1 October 2026. Maternity benefits will rise to N$20 000, sick leave to N$15 000 (first 12 months) and N$13 000 (final 12 months), and death, retirement and disability benefits each to N$15 000.

    22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 10 September

  1. Rehoboth launches mayoral youth fund with pledges

    Rehoboth's newly launched Mayoral Youth Development Fund has secured N$180,000 in cash pledges, training opportunities, and a commitment from the Social Security Commission to become its founding partner for more than three years. The fund aims to move young people from unemployment towards entrepreneurship, skills development and economic participation.

    10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Most generational farm workers have homes away from farms

    According to an Agricultural Employers' Association 2026 survey, 59 of 62 identified generational farm workers (about 95%) already have retirement homes away from the farms where they work. The survey also found that 11% of employees covered by responses have a pension or savings plan for retirement.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 29 August

  1. Nekundi plans testing mandate for all driving instructors

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has proposed that every driving instructor in Namibia be tested on driving competence, teaching ability, defensive driving knowledge, and psychometric assessment before being allowed to continue teaching, regardless of years of experience.

    29 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 27 August

  1. High Court dismisses City of Windhoek plea in injury damages claim

    The Windhoek High Court has rejected a special plea by the City of Windhoek seeking to dismiss a worker's claim for N$4 million in damages for injuries allegedly sustained while employed as an artisan mechanic. The former employee, who worked in the council's emergency section for over 10 years, claims the injuries—including a cracked shoulder, abdominal hernia, and degenerative osteoarthritis—resulted from CoW's negligence in failing to provide a safe working environment.

    27 August 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 23 August

  1. Namibia debates architecture for national pension fund

    Namibia is considering how to build retirement security through a National Pension Fund, with Part VII of the Social Security Act 34 of 1994 never operationalised despite the legal foundation existing. The proposed model is an earnings-related, defined-benefit social-insurance scheme targeting formal-sector workers compulsorily and informal and self-employed workers initially.

    23 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Government establishes committee on informal economy institutionalisation

    The government has established a National Technical Committee on Institutionalisation of the Informal Economy to design inclusive legal frameworks and budget for social protection and financial inclusion for the informal sector, which accounts for about 57% of Namibian employment according to informal economy advocates.

    19 August 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 →

Sunday 16 August

  1. SSC raises maternity, sick, death benefit contribution ceiling

    The Social Security Commission will increase the contribution ceiling for its Maternity Leave, Sick Leave and Death Benefit Fund from 1 September 2026, raising the maximum monthly employee contribution from N$99 to N$112.50. The ceiling will rise progressively over four financial years to reach N$16,000 by 1 March 2029.

    16 August 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 13 August

  1. N$3.5 million frozen in Burundian national's suspected drug case

    Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has secured a property preservation order freezing N$3.5 million in bank accounts belonging to Burundian national Asani Niyonzima, 26, following his January arrest on cocaine charges in Klein Windhoek. Imalwa alleges the funds are linked to drug dealing, money laundering, and tax evasion, citing a sudden influx of cash exceeding N$3.5 million between 2023 and early 2026, though Niyonzima claims the money came from legitimate business activities.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 7 August

  1. Social Security Commission delays contribution increase to September

    The Social Security Commission has deferred the planned increase to the Maternity Leave, Sick Leave and Death Benefit Fund contribution ceiling from 1 March 2026 to 1 September 2026, due to delays in publishing requisite amendments in the Government Gazette. The increase will be phased in gradually over four financial years through 2029, with the maximum basic salary subject to contributions rising to N$16,000 by the 2028/2029 financial year.

    7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 23 July

  1. Minister assesses road upgrade, warns contractors on delays

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi visited the Tsandi–Onesi–Epalela Road Project in Omusati Region to assess progress on the 48-kilometre upgrade from gravel to bitumen standard, expected to be completed in 2028. He expressed satisfaction with progress while warning contractors to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and comply with labour regulations.

    23 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 26 June

  1. Oshana region graduates over 3,000 students in 2025/26

    Oshana region produced 3,010 graduates during the 2025/26 financial year from tertiary and vocational institutions including UNAM, IUM, and Welwitschia Health Training Centre. Young people in the region are calling for more jobs and business opportunities following this milestone in skills development.

    26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. AI should serve workers, not replace them – Immanuel

    Justice Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the International Labour Conference in Geneva that artificial intelligence can support decent work without job losses if governments prioritize retraining over retrenchment. He cited Namibia's Social Security Commission, which introduced digital tools affecting 65 positions but retrained rather than laid off workers.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Nust security tender challenged over false employee claims

    PIS Security Services has filed a review application at the High Court challenging a N$40 million three-year security contract awarded to Novo Security Services CC in October 2025, alleging that eight active Namibian police officers were falsely presented as employees and managers of Novo in its bid.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 18 May

  1. SSC CEO recruitment suspended over salary concerns

    The search for a new Social Security Commission chief executive has been halted after Cabinet raised concerns about what it views as inflated executive salaries relative to member benefits.

    18 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 7 May

  1. MTC appeals for more corporate internship support in Namibia

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited is calling on companies and institutions to create more internship opportunities for young Namibians through the Namibia National Internship Programme, which was launched in 2019 to help graduates enter the job market. MTC contributes N$2 million annually to the programme, which placed 332 interns in 2025 across more than 40 fields.

    7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Finance ministry rejects SSC procurement exemption request

    The Ministry of Finance has rejected the Social Security Commission's request for a procurement exemption to fast-track a N$43.8-million fund management system project. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the SSC did not sufficiently justify why the entire Public Procurement Act should be set aside, and noted that the law already provides procurement options such as restricted bidding for specialized services.

    6 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. PSC retains 16 officials over 60 amid youth joblessness row

    The Public Service Commission retained 16 officials over the age of 60 due to their specialised skills, citing legal provisions for critical expertise gaps, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition over potential political patronage and youth unemployment.

    28 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

  1. Ministry responds to unpaid wage claims at Omhalanga Mills

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations said it is handling one formal case of unpaid wages at Omhalanga Mills, with a hearing set for 29 April 2026, while several other employees have sought advice but not filed formal complaints. Workers claim they have not been paid for seven months.

    27 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 17 April

  1. SSC funds technical training for marginalised Namibian youth

    The Social Security Commission is sponsoring 15 trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds at the Ngato Institute of Science and Technology in Rundu to complete a two-year Occupational Health and Safety programme, covering tuition, accommodation, uniforms and living expenses. The initiative, supported by government and private entities, is helping young Namibians from informal settlements and rural areas access tertiary qualifications they might otherwise be unable to afford.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Social Security Commission — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute