State House reviewed the former president's law

State-funded mansions for former presidents are officially on the chopping block, and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly wants out of that whole arrangement.

What the review actually covers

• A bill reassessing the Former Presidents' Pension and Other Benefits Act is under review.
• State House spokesperson Jonas Mbambo confirmed the bill sits at the technical committee level.
• Extending benefits to former vice presidents is a key consideration.
• Parliament could see the bill submitted this year.

Mansion spending that sparked the debate

• Four former presidents collectively cost taxpayers N$152 million in mansion funds.
• Nangolo Mbumba got N$38 million for a Windhoek residence upon retirement.
• Hage Geingob received N$32 million for his Swakopmund property renovation.
• Sam Nujoma's Windhoek residence ran N$43 million, and Hifikepunye Pohamba's cost N$35 million.

Vice-presidential perks are messy territory

• Mbumba's Waterberg farm got government-funded renovations while he was vice president.
• Second-phase renovation costs hit taxpayers at N$660,000 in 2022.
• Former vice president Nickey Iyambo's housing was funded despite no legal provision.
• A controversial N$1 million elevator was installed at Iyambo's private house.

Political commentators want cuts

• Henning Melber argued that pensions alone already ensure a decent living.
• Ndumba Kamwanyah pushed for benefits matching senior public servants' pensions.
• IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete said state-funded residences should remain state property.
• Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly prefers accepting partial benefits to build her own retirement home.