SSC pays out N$1.7bn for maternity leave

Statistics from the Social Security Commission (SSC) show that the organisation paid a total of N$1.7 billion for maternity leave between 2017 and 2023.

This is 77% of the total N$2.2 billion paid by SSC during that time for maternity leave, sick leave and death benefits, and retirement.

A Namibian Sun probe found that N$309 million was paid for retirement, N$169 million for sick leave and N$75 million in death benefits.

On the feeling that the current maternity leave period of three months is not sufficient, labour ministry executive director Lydia Indombo said the Labour Act allows women to take no less than 12 consecutive weeks of maternity leave.

Expectant and nursing mothers are also entitled to an extended maternity leave, as per advice, request and/or certification by a medical practitioner, she said.

“If such feeling exists, it should be substantiated by factual findings or results whereupon the ministry - together with its social partners - should bring it on a social dialogue for collective discussions and endorsement thereof, if so found necessary,” Indombo noted.

She further emphasised that the ministry is fully aware of the impact maternity leave has in the workplace, adding that expectant and nursing mothers become vulnerable in terms of occupational health and safety, prompting a great need to safeguard their well-being and that of their babies.

“It is for this reason that the Labour Act allows for a maternity period during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period to ensure the well-being of the mother and the child.”

Maternity leave promotes the proper transition of productivity, social justice and human and labour rights at the workplace, Indombo said.