SSC CEO hunt frozen over salary, member benefit mismatch

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 salaries at the institution and "laughable" member benefits.

Labour minister Wise Immanuel is understood to have instructed the SSC board to immediately halt the recruitment process pending a review of remuneration structures at the commission.

The move comes as government pushes for improved social protection payouts - particularly maternity benefits - with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly directing that revised SSC benefits be fully implemented by June this year.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Immanuel believes meaningful benefit improvements will only be possible if SSC remuneration is aligned with limits applicable to Tier 2 public institutions.

Namibian Sun understands that the SSC chief executive earns about N$2.6 million annually, translating to roughly N$216 000 per month.

Senior executives reportedly earn around N$2.1 million annually, or about N$175 000 monthly, while middle managers take home packages estimated at N$1.6 million a year - similar to the salary of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.

Recent reports indicated that the prime minister has a basic salary of N$1.3 million, along with a housing allowance of N$351,175.

Ministers, the attorney general, and directors general earn N$1.34 million annually, including N$1.012 million basic salary and a housing allowance of N$273,311.

Sources say Immanuel conveyed Cabinet’s concern that SSC remuneration levels are significantly above prescribed thresholds despite the commission being classified as a social utility and Tier 2 entity.

“The salaries are over the top, while workers’ benefits are laughable,” a senior government official familiar with the discussions said.

“The current benefits cannot meet the financial needs of members, especially women on maternity leave. Maternity leave benefit stands at N$11 500.”

Another source questioned the justification for the remuneration levels.

“What exactly does an SSC CEO do to warrant all that money, when all they do as a fund is receive employee contributions? It’s not like they go all out to look for that money,” the source said.

Cabinet has allegedly directed the labour ministry, together with the Cabinet Committee on Public Service, to develop interventions aimed at restructuring SSC remuneration in an effort to contain the wage bill and redirect resources toward member benefits.

The recruitment process was consequently frozen pending the outcome of that exercise. Contacted for comment, Immanuel confirmed that he was acting on Cabinet directives issued following concerns raised by President Nandi-Ndaitwah regarding the situation at the SSC.

“I’m attending to a genuine concern raised by the Head of State,” Immanuel said briefly.

The publication Namibia Business Review recently reported that candidates linked to the CEO position included Elvis Nashilongo, Kapena Tjombonde, Ndangi Katoma and businessman Ndeulipula Hamutumwa.

Government is also expected to announce interim operational arrangements once the contract of current SSC executive officer Milka Mungunda expires.

Meanwhile, the labour ministry and finance authorities have reportedly been tasked with scrutinising SSC financial records to assess whether the institution has the capacity to significantly improve social protection benefits.

The SSC board has further been instructed to submit recommendations by 29 May 2026 on how member benefits - particularly maternity leave payouts - can be enhanced in the 2026/27 financial year following growing public criticism over current benefit levels.