No danger pay for game rangers despite high-risk job

The 'guardians' of Namibia’s conservation industry continue their often dangerous work without a danger allowance.

Game rangers and wardens tasked with protecting Namibia’s wildlife and enforcing conservation laws increasingly say they should receive a dedicated danger or bush allowance in recognition of the risks attached to their work.

Rangers, particularly those operating from national parks, face heightened risks of attacks from wildlife and armed poachers while carrying out anti-poaching patrols and conservation duties in remote and physically demanding environments.

However, while acknowledging the dangers involved, environment and tourism ministry spokesperson Vilho Angula said the ministry is unable to independently approve such compensation.

“You don’t just do it out of the blue as a ministry. You ought to consult and seek the necessary authorisation from those vested with authority over the public service, and that is the Public Service Commission,” Angula said.

He explained that remuneration and allowance matters are governed through established public service laws and approval processes.

He added that the ministry previously pursued the matter but failed to secure the required approval.

“At some point, the ministry made such a request to the Public Service Commission, but unfortunately it was turned down. To establish such an allowance, it has to align with the existing laws, policies and budgetary processes governing the public service,” he said.

Angula said frustrations surrounding the issue have persisted for years but maintained that the ministry remains constrained by public service approval structures.

“It’s really just a matter where we are also somewhat stuck in obtaining the necessary authorisation from the Public Service Commission. It’s not to say that as a ministry we don’t care or have turned a blind eye to what our employees are going through,” he said.

Questions

The debate gained renewed attention last year when IPC member of parliament Armas Amukoto gave notice of his intention to question the environment minister over why game rangers and game guards are excluded from danger or bush allowances despite the nature of their duties.

Amukoto compared their situation with that of officials under the agriculture ministry, where inspectors and observers working under hazardous conditions reportedly receive danger allowances, arguing that wildlife officers exposed to similar risks remain excluded from comparable benefits.

While the ministry says specific danger-related remuneration remains beyond its authority, Angula stressed that broader measures are in place to support staff working under hazardous conditions.

“Employee well-being does not just start and end with remuneration. We as a ministry ensure that our people have the necessary equipment, support and training to undertake the valuable work that they do,” he said.

Angula also commended wildlife officers for their role in protecting Namibia’s natural resources and tourism economy.

“Those are the guardians of our conservation industry and, by implication, the guardians of our jobs and all the economic benefits we derive from conservation and tourism at large,” he said.