Workers' unions in Namibia are advocating for the introduction of paternity leave to enable both parents to care for newborn babies. This call comes after Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel announced an increase in Social Security Commission benefits, including maternity and sick leave, effective 1 October. The benefits aim to support parents in meeting the costs of caring for their babies.
Minister Immanuel announced that maternity benefits will increase from N$15,000 to N$20,000, while sick leave benefits will rise from N$11,250 to N$15,000 for the first 12 months and from N$9,750 to N$13,000 for the final 12 months. Additionally, death, retirement, and disability benefits will each increase from N$12,000 to N$15,000. These changes aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens on parents.
Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Frederick Shitana welcomed the minister's announcement but noted that men remain excluded from benefiting. In response, Minister Immanuel reiterated that Namibia has no statutory paternity leave provision, and employers offering it do so at their discretion. He added that institutions may introduce paternity leave through their respective employment or industrial policies.
National Union of Namibian Workers secretary general Job Muniaro emphasized that men are equal parents and should be given the opportunity to support their partners and bond with their newborn babies. He stated that women should not bear the responsibilities and consequences of childbirth alone. Muniaro welcomed the increase in benefits, saying it would help parents meet the costs of caring for their babies, especially those earning less than N$20,000.
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia secretary general George Ampweya expressed support for the implementation of paternity leave, describing it as a social issue. He emphasized that men need to be present in the lives of their newborn babies. Ampweya noted that the union had previously made a submission to NUNW for the labour minister to introduce paternity leave.
According to SSC acting chief executive Ben Nangombe, SSC contributions are monthly payments shared equally between employers and employees to fund the maternity, sick leave, and death fund. Employees earning a basic salary of N$500 contribute N$4 per month. The union supports benefits that support men, as they believe that the current setup excludes fathers from the critical years of their children's lives.
The proposed paternity leave and increased social security benefits aim to promote a more balanced approach to childcare and support for new parents. Key stakeholders, including workers' unions and government officials, continue to engage in discussions to address the needs of Namibian families.
Key points
- Namibian workers' unions advocate for paternity leave to support new fathers.
- The government has increased social security benefits, including maternity and sick leave.
- The proposed paternity leave aims to promote a more balanced approach to childcare.
