Five years before Namibia’s independence, Sam Nujoma promised that when Namibia is free, its “riches will be distributed for the good of all citizens”.
His successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, swore to fight corruption. Hage Geingob declared war on poverty, while Nangolo Mbumba served a year as a quiet caretaker.
After leaving office, all four former presidents received a mansion funded by the taxes of ordinary Namibians, many of whom face a daily battle against poverty and unemployment.
The combined cost of the presidential houses was about N$150 million – more than N$35 million each or more – simply for holding office.
Despite the hefty price, the gifts were legal.
There is no justification for the state to fund mansions that first families essentially inherit as private wealth.
Especially in a country battling an official 36.9% unemployment rate, and an average monthly income of around N$5 000 per person.
Details about Nujoma’s estate, revealed by The Namibian this week, underline what is essentially legal self-enrichment.
Current legislation allows former presidents to choose between a cash payout or a retirement home when they leave office.
Our reporting shows that Nujoma claimed both retirement perks: the lump sum payment after stepping down in 2005, as well as a N$43 million retirement house.
The government should, in fact, demand a refund of taxpayer money from Nujoma’s estate for one of those gifts.
Pohamba received a N$35-million mansion in Windhoek and spent more time at his village in the Ohangwena region. He has effectively passed on a government perk to his children.
When international organisations said in 2024 that 85 000 Namibians could face death from hunger, the government was finalising a N$38-million mansion for Mbumba.
The contrast is shocking.
Geingob’s state-funded retirement house at Swakopmund has been passed on to his wife, Monica Geingos.
Perhaps an international perspective could provide our leaders with context.
Four years ago, Sri Lankans poured onto the streets to demand that politicians “give us our stolen money back”.
One of their key demands was to end generous perks afforded to politicians, including state-funded mansions for former presidents.
Last year, Sri Lanka stopped what they called the “ladle culture” – which saw those in power continuously dip into state resources for personal gain.
“Legal” perks endure only as long as the public tolerates them. When the economy collapses, the line between “legal benefits” and “stolen money” disappears in the eyes of the people.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah automatically qualifies for a retirement house.
Now is the time for her to put an end to this self-enrichment scheme. History would remember her as the one who said enough is enough.
As a follower of international politics, the president would also know that last year, Cyprus and France both moved to stop or review generous retirement benefits for former presidents.
Let us remember former member of parliament Ignatius Shixwameni’s words in 2012, when he warned against bankrolling former presidents’ lifestyles: “When you have a donkey-cart economy, you cannot live a Mercedes-style lifestyle.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
