Information commissioner to pocket N$120 000 p/m

The incoming information commissioner will earn an annual salary of N$1.4 million, more than the prime minister’s estimated N$1.3 million.

This translates to a monthly salary of N$120 000, with a range of benefits according to an annexure seen by The Namibian from the parliament of Namibia.

Appointed by the president, the information commissioner will be an independent and impartial person responsible for promoting, monitoring and protecting the right of access to information in Namibia.

This is expected to strengthen public procurement transparency and citizen oversight, reports say.

Last year during the launch of the 30th edition of the procurement tracker, Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) associate researcher Frederico Links said the appointment of the information commissioner will be a critical step towards the full implementation of the Access to Information (ATI) Act.

The act, which was passed in parliament on 29 November 2022 and gazetted on 28 December 2022, is expected to give individuals access to information held by public authorities.

Although passed, it still lacks implementation due to the absence of a dedicated information commissioner.

“The relevant sections of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) are especially strengthened by the ATI law, which, when it comes to information access and openness, sets the standard and elevates the scope of the transparency-inducing parts of the PPA,” Links said.

Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus was approached for comment yesterday on the progress of the appointment, but said the ministry is not responsible for it.

National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa yesterday said parliament has sent out a vacancy advertisement for qualifying candidates to apply, adding the commissioner will not be appointed, but selected through a formal recruitment process.

“We sent out an invitation to the public on Friday for anyone who wants to apply,” he said.

Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of information John-Louw Mouton says: “I have questioned the minister in parliament regarding the appointment date. I am still waiting for a response”.

In addition to the monthly salary, the commissioner will get a motor vehicle allowance based on the purchase price of a benchmark vehicle financed over 54 months at 17.5% interest.

The benchmark, listed as a Mercedes-Benz E400 or BMW 528i, or an equivalent model, will vary depending on the vehicle’s purchase price rather than being a fixed amount.

The package also includes subsistence and travel allowance equivalent to that of a deputy minister for official journeys, while security for the commissioner and their residence will be provided by the inspector general of the police.

The commissioner will also receive a non-taxable income of N$10 000 per month and a housing allowance of N$13 269.
“This will not apply if official accommodation is provided,” the annexure reads.

An official vehicle may also be authorised for conducting investigation, undertaking outreach activities and extending official courtesies.

The commissioner will be entitled to medical aid under the Medical Aid Scheme for Members of the National Assembly, Judges and Other Office Bearers, as well as membership in the pension fund established under the Members of Parliament and Other Office Bearers Pension Fund Act.

Other monthly benefits include water and electricity allowance of N$4 020, and a telephone allowance of N$250.

The deputy commissioner’s annual salary is N$1.1 million, with benefits such as N$8 000 non-taxable per annum, N$10 615 housing allowance, N$2 784 water and electricity allowance, N$40 000 furniture allowance and N$8 000 entertainment allowance.

Other benefits are similar to that of the commissioner.

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