Enrolled nurses are seeking an upgrade from public service salary scale grade 10, arguing that their pay does not reflect their qualifications, responsibilities and workplace risks.
The request is contained in a submission made to prime minister Elijah Ngurare as the government prepares to review the job evaluation and grading (JEG) system across the public service.
In their submission dated 27 June, the nurses say they perform critical healthcare duties but remain underpaid compared to other civil servants with similar qualifications.
“Despite the critical nature of our profession, the level of responsibility entrusted to us, and the occupational risks associated with our duties, enrolled nurses remain remunerated at public service salary scale grade 10,” they say.
The nurses say they complete a rigorous two-year accredited training programme leading to certificate or diploma qualifications, with some qualifications classified at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6.
They say their training equips them to provide patient care, administer medication, respond to emergencies, prevent and control infections, monitor patients, provide health education and assist during medical procedures.
The nurses argue that their grading does not compare favourably with other public service occupations.
“Upon comparing our qualifications, responsibilities and remuneration with those of other public servants, we have identified disparities that warrant consideration,” they say.
They point to educators with diploma qualifications at NQF Level 6, who are placed on salary scale grade 9, while enrolled nurses remain on grade 10.
They also compare their grading with that of emergency care practitioner intermediates and senior mortuary attendants, saying these positions are placed on the same salary scale despite differences in qualifications and responsibilities.
The nurses say the comparisons highlight inconsistencies in the grading and remuneration system.
In their submission, the nurses say they welcome the establishment of a task force to address salary disparities and ask that their concerns be considered during the process.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), however, denies claims that a separate task force had been established to address the nurses’ concerns.
“There is no such task force established,” OPM spokesperson Rhingo Mutambo says.
He says enrolled nurses are considered as part of a comprehensive JEG exercise covering all public service job categories.
“Enrolled nurses are a recognised job category within the public service. They will be included in the JEG exercise like all other categories,” Mutambo says.
He says the process was being carried out in line with the collective agreement signed between the government, the Namibia Public Workers Union and the Namibia National Teachers Union.
Mutambo says it was too early to discuss possible outcomes.
“At the right time, recommendations will be forwarded to the Public Service Commission and the prime minister for approval. Once approval is granted, we will inform the public through the media,” he says.
The submission follows a collective agreement signed in February, which provided for a 5% salary increase for the 2026/27 financial year and committed the parties to review the JEG system for all public service job categories.
The review forms part of broader efforts to assess whether the current grading system adequately reflects the qualifications, skills, responsibilities and complexity of public service jobs.
Mutambo says the evaluation starts this year and is expected to take about three years to complete, although the government hopes to conclude the process sooner.
The outcome of the review will determine whether the current grading system should be adjusted for enrolled nurses and other public service employees.
