N$1m to speaker’s office ‘not for personal use’

A reported N$1-million budget allocated to the Office of the Speaker, allegedly meant for flowers and refreshments, is not for personal use, the National Assembly says.

This comes after the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda questioned the allocation, criticising the spending amid a lack of basic parliamentary stationery.

He claimed the budget was secretly allocated to the speaker’s office.

Amupunda on 8 August addressed a letter to National Assembly secretary Esther Kaapanda in which he questioned the logic behind spending N$270 000 on flowers and N$770 000 on refreshments while members of parliament lack basic stationery.

“It is important to emphasise that the said allocation is not for the personal use of the speaker, but rather supports the broader operational and ceremonial needs of the National Assembly as a public institution,” National Assembly senior spokesperson Sackeus Kadhikwa says.

He confirms that the total allocation of N$1 million is split between N$770 000 for office refreshments and N$270 000 for flowers and gifts for the 2025/26 financial year.

These funds, he says, cover activities integral to the functioning of the parliament.

The N$770 000 for office refreshments supports a wide range of official activities and engagements throughout the parliamentary calendar, he says.

This includes providing refreshments during workshops and training sessions for members of parliament and secretariat staff.

In the 2025/26 financial year, a number of induction programmes and capacity-building workshops were scheduled for incoming members, Kadhikwa says, for which in-house catering ensures operational efficiency and minimises downtime.

“Refreshments are also provided during official meetings and interviews – both internal and external – to maintain professionalism and prevent disruption. Furthermore, the National Assembly frequently hosts official visitors, including international delegations and civil society groups,” he says.

As the country’s legislative house, Kadhikwa says the parliament extends hospitality in line with established government protocols.

The refreshment budget also covers catering for major annual events such as Commonwealth Parliamentary Association activities hosted in Namibia, where diverse cultural cuisines are typically showcased.

Kadhikwa says the flowers and gifts allocation of N$270 000 is similarly aligned with global parliamentary practice and is not designated for any personal benefit.

“Gifts are procured on behalf of the National Assembly for official guests, visiting dignitaries, and parliamentary delegations, often tailored to reflect Namibia’s cultural identity and in accordance with diplomatic protocol,” he says.

In addition, floral arrangements are used during major formal events such as the opening of the parliament, the state of the nation address, and Commonwealth-related occasions.

Kadhikwa says it contributes to the dignity and ceremonial standards expected of national institutions.

Regarding an alleged lack of transparency, Kadhikwa says the apportionment was carried out after the national budget was formally approved by the parliament through standard administrative processes.

“It is incorrect to suggest that these decisions were made secretly or without parliamentary knowledge.

We also acknowledge the concerns previously raised by members of parliament regarding aspects of the broader parliamentary budget,” he says.

He says the Office of the Speaker remains committed to addressing the concerns and ensuring that earlier commitments are honoured in consultation with the relevant departments.

The National Assembly welcomes scrutiny that is informed by accurate information and conducted in the interest of constructive engagement, Kadhikwa says.

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