Rédaction Africa Links 24 with John-Colin Namene
Published on 2024-02-28 09:54:32
Union leaders are anticipating a significant budget increase to be announced in the budget speech by Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, happening on Wednesday. This expectation arises from the positive outcomes of last year’s salary negotiations for civil servants, which are expected to lead to a budget expansion. Mahongora Kavihua, the secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia, believes that the government is likely to increase spending this year, as it is an election year.
Kavihua points out that during election years, the government’s budget typically experiences a boost. While this increase often involves investments in infrastructure, this time around, Union leaders are expecting a rise in social spending. Kavihua expresses concern that recent budgets have not been adequately addressing the needs of the impoverished in the country.
Echoing Kavihua’s sentiments, Ujama Kaahangoro, the deputy secretary general of the Public Service Union of Namibia, emphasizes the importance of implementing the agreed terms of the salary negotiations for civil servants. He specifically mentions the need to retrospectively apply the terms from April 1, 2023, and to ensure that the N$600 increase for lower grade employees is honored.
Kaahangoro stresses that the government should prioritize meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by improving the working conditions of civil servants. He argues that the only way to achieve this goal is by increasing their wages, a critical aspect that should be addressed in the upcoming budget.
Looking ahead to the budget speech, Union leaders are hopeful that the government will prioritize the well-being of civil servants and address the economic challenges faced by the country. They are advocating for a budget that not only reflects the needs of the people but also promotes economic growth and stability.
In conclusion, the Union leaders are anxiously awaiting Minister Shiimi’s budget speech, hoping to see positive changes that benefit civil servants and the broader Namibian population. With a focus on social spending and wage increases, they are optimistic about the potential for a budget that addresses the pressing issues facing the country.
Read the original article on The Namibian
