Land tax policy must change, Schlettwein says

Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein says land tax under the land reform policy needs to be revised.This comes after a government notice revealed that white male farm owners are the only Namibians who must pay land tax and cannot apply for exemption.The notice, issued by the valuer-general in the land reform ministry, Rudolf !Nanuseb, stipulates who may benefit from land tax exemption application procedures.According to the document, exemptions are issued as provided for in terms of the Land Reform Act and as contemplated by the Namibian Constitution. Namibians who are eligible to apply for exemption are the previously disadvantaged and those farming on agricultural land used for non-profit or gain activities of a church, mission, hospital, school or hostel.Those on agricultural land that is primarily used for activities of any state-aided institution may also be exempted from land tax.All women, irrespective of their race, are also exempted.Size mattersAccording to Schlettwein, land tax should be measured by how many hectares are owned, regardless of whether the owner is a Namibian or a foreigner.“This is to give effect to the regulations that were brought in during the land conference.”He added that it is important to mention that everyone can apply for exemption – even white farmers.“But the application will be measured by what the law allows and does not allow. For instance, a white man can be indemnified because disabled people are also considered to be disadvantaged. So everyone can apply.”Schlettwein, however, admitted that the chances of an able-bodied white male farmer getting approval for exemption are slim, even if their land is very small.“But he can still apply. Therefore, it is not upfront discrimination. The application will be handled according to what is in the law.”At this point, black commercial farmers with sizeable land who apply for exemption are all accepted, he said.Exemption applications opened on 29 November 2023, and will close on 31 March.

Land tax policy must change, Schlettwein says

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Land tax policy must change, Schlettwein says

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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