Mubita proposes N$5 000 veterans grant

Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has proposed increasing monthly veteran allowances to N$5 000, citing stagnant grants and poor living conditions.

This follows 18 years of no increment for the liberation struggle veterans registered at the ministry.

Currently, N$2 200 per month is paid to eligible veterans who are retired, unemployed, or earn less than N$3 000 a month.

If a veteran dies, the monthly grant is transferred to their dependants, with 55% allocated to their spouse and 45% to their children under the age of 18.

Mubita proposed this in the National Assembly during his contribution to the 2026/27 national budget last Wednesday.

“Eighteen years down the line, they still receive the same. No increment.

This is unpardonable. It’s totally illogical and indefensible. I propose that this amount be increased to at least N$5 000 monthly,” Mubita told The Namibian on Friday.

He said the National Assembly has the power to amend the law.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah disagrees with the minister’s proposal for an increased veterans grant.

This reflects short-term thinking and lacks a clear plan on where the money will come from, he says.

Kamwanyah says increasing grants would put pressure on the national budget and does not solve deeper economic challenges.

“The deputy minister’s approach seems reactive rather than strategic.

After 18 years without adjustment, a sudden increase to N$5 000 raises questions about planning, priorities, and fiscal discipline,” he says.

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