The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Immanuel, has announced the revised benefits on key changes to the Maternity, Sick Leave and Death Fund to strengthen support for workers effective 1st of October.

"As of today, the maternity benefits stand at N$15,000, effective from the 1st of October. Then, I'm breaking your iPad. So the maternity benefits will be N$20,000 for every Namibian mother that will be on maternity leave. So it's an increase of N$5,000. Sick leave for the first 12 months is N$11,250. And effective 1st of October, 2026, it will be N$15,000, from N$11,250 for the second 12 months; today it stands at N$9,750, and it has increased to N$13,000, effective 1st of October, 2026. The death benefits today stand at N$12,000 and, effective 1st of October, 2026, will be N$15,000, an increase of N$3,000. The disability benefits today stand at N$12,000 and, effective 1st of October, 2026, will be N$15,000. The retirement benefits today stand at N$12 000 and, effective 1st of October, 2026, will be standing at N$15 000."

The measures are designed to address key concerns affecting workers, including financial security for mothers during maternity leave, support for terminally ill members, and assistance for families during bereavement.

They are also aimed at ensuring that workers injured on duty are adequately supported through the fund.

Immanuel, emphasised the need for benefits to be practical and accessible, rather than existing only in policy

"We are rather emphasising the need to care for the poor and for the most vulnerable members of our society. And that is exactly what social security is, therefore."