President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government can't raise old-age money from N$1,600 to N$3,000 this year. Instead, she wants to spend cash on things young people need. She talked about this when meeting with Kirsty Coventry, the new head of the International Olympic Committee, at State House last Saturday. Most of the money for the year will help build places where young Namibians can learn skills and play sports.
Last June, before she became president, Nandi-Ndaitwah had promised older citizens they would receive N$3,000 each month if people voted for her. The past president, Hage Geingob, also said in December 2023 that he hoped pension money might grow to N$2,000 or even N$3,000. Right this minute, more than 202,000 older Namibians collect N$1,600 every month from the government.
The president asked parents and grandparents across the country for forgiveness. "I must kneel to my parents, the pensioners, because I made a very difficult decision," she explained. She begged older citizens to let her focus on building what young people need first. She believes that making young Namibians stronger will help them better care for their elders in the future. She promised to think about raising pensions again next year.
Her political party, Swapo, emphasizes the importance of sports in helping young people grow. That's why the president wants to build more sports fields and centers around Namibia. Earlier this year, pension money increased by N$200 to reach the current N$1,600 monthly payment.
Political expert Rui Tyitende called the president's pension promise just a trick to win votes. He said the Swapo party knows exactly how to make promises that make struggling voters feel hopeful. "The elderly should adjust back to reality because the campaign finished," he added. Tyitende mentioned how many politicians say things during elections but forget them later. He joked that maybe older citizens might see their promised money around election time in 2029 - if they live that long.
Last June, before she became president, Nandi-Ndaitwah had promised older citizens they would receive N$3,000 each month if people voted for her. The past president, Hage Geingob, also said in December 2023 that he hoped pension money might grow to N$2,000 or even N$3,000. Right this minute, more than 202,000 older Namibians collect N$1,600 every month from the government.
The president asked parents and grandparents across the country for forgiveness. "I must kneel to my parents, the pensioners, because I made a very difficult decision," she explained. She begged older citizens to let her focus on building what young people need first. She believes that making young Namibians stronger will help them better care for their elders in the future. She promised to think about raising pensions again next year.
Her political party, Swapo, emphasizes the importance of sports in helping young people grow. That's why the president wants to build more sports fields and centers around Namibia. Earlier this year, pension money increased by N$200 to reach the current N$1,600 monthly payment.
Political expert Rui Tyitende called the president's pension promise just a trick to win votes. He said the Swapo party knows exactly how to make promises that make struggling voters feel hopeful. "The elderly should adjust back to reality because the campaign finished," he added. Tyitende mentioned how many politicians say things during elections but forget them later. He joked that maybe older citizens might see their promised money around election time in 2029 - if they live that long.
