Namibian government urged to address internal salary disparities before focusing on state-owned enterprises

The prime minister's decision to establish a task force to review executive remuneration in state-owned enterprises SOEs is a welcome move towards accountability. However, the government, as Namibia's largest employer, should first address salary disparities within its own public service. While executive salaries in SOEs warrant scrutiny, particularly when disconnected from performance or economic realities, the government must ensure its internal salary structures reflect dignity, equity, and social justice. A significant inequality exists between the lowest-paid employees, such as cleaners and messengers, and senior officials. Although salary differences based on qualifications and responsibility are necessary, the extent of these gaps should be reviewed to ensure they remain fair, sustainable, and socially acceptable. The debate should encompass whether lower-paid employees earn enough to support their families and participate meaningfully in the economy. While attracting skilled professionals is important, it should not come at the expense of fairness. A comprehensive salary reform, extending beyond SOEs to the entire public service, should consider affordability, productivity, inflation, job evaluations, and international best practices, ensuring lower-income employees are not overlooked. The prime minister's initial step is important, but a subsequent comprehensive review of public service salaries, especially for those at the lower end, is crucial for real salary refor