Civil servants on maternity leave will now receive their full salaries.

Making the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the N$15,000 benefit currently provided by the Social Security Commission (SSC) has been found wanting, especially for civil servants who earn more than what is provided.

In the event that the mother dies, the father of the child will be given paternity leave and receive the benefit. In the absence of both parents, the primary carer will then receive the benefit. All these are on the condition that they are civil servants.

Maternity leave has also been increased from 12 weeks to 14.

The government has also signed a two-year agreement with NANTU and NAPWU to improve salaries and other benefits.

A flat increase of N$600 per month for staff members in grades 15–14 with effect from April 1, 2024, and a 5% increase in the basic salary of staff members in grades 13–1 with effect from April 1, 2024