Amupanda targets ‘punitive’ maternity benefits

Presidential hopeful Job Amupanda has pledged to amend the Social Security Act to address what he describes as a “maternity leave scam”, and to enhance maternity leave benefits if he and his Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party gain entry into public office.

Amupanda, through his lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, yesterday wrote a letter to gender equality minister Doreen Sioka, asking her to amend the ‘prejudicial’ policy in order to protect women. The activist said birth rates are low among employed women, partly due to fear of suffering financial consequences if they fall pregnant.

In a viral social media post, Amupanda criticised the incumbent Swapo government for its inadequate maternity leave benefits, accusing it of further oppressing women.

He questioned the fairness of the current system, stating: “Consider how the corrupt regime punishes women for giving birth, despite the empty rhetoric about women’s empowerment”.

“The whole maternity leave structure is a scam. Why should a woman earning N$30 000 see her salary cut by 50% to N$15 000? She, along with others, contributes to social security every month. Imagine if insurance companies only paid 50% after an accident or a death. Why can’t a woman’s full salary continue for three months?” he asked.

“Politicians in the National Assembly take a three-month break, similar to maternity leave, and receive their full salaries during that time. Why not workers?”



Gift from God

Amupanda also highlighted discrepancies in maternity leave policies, noting that employees at the Social Security Commission reportedly receive more favourable maternity leave benefits compared to ordinary workers. “Even in capitalist countries, such injustices are rare. Some have six months of maternity leave. Yet here, despite having a female prime minister, female vice-president, female gender minister and 40% female parliamentarians, the law remains unchanged.”

He added: “We question why the birth rate among employed women is low and why the population growth is stagnant. Our government and AR members of parliament will work to change the law to ensure women receive their full salaries during maternity leave. Children are a gift from God, and we will end the pain and hurt caused by these inadequate benefits.”

Section 9 (1) of the Social Security Act states that maternity leave benefits should be equal to 100% of the basic wage of a female employee, up to a maximum amount of N$15 000 per month, payable for a maximum of 12 weeks.



Vulnerable time

Last year, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker Winnie Moongo called on parliament to interrogate the Act and address its shortcomings. “The amount is not sufficient. Imagine a situation where a government employee has a housing bond, the employer covers the subsidy, and the employee will need to pay the difference for the three months she is on maternity leave,” she said.

“This payment has to come from the N$15 000. From the Social Security pay-out, the employee is also obliged to pay their government medical contribution, [Government Institutions Pension Fund], social security contribution, and for most, their own insurance policy. However, the government only pays transport. I, therefore, propose that the amount payable in respect of maternity leave be increased, and maternity leave duration be extended up to five months, with full pay,” Moongo said.

She added that pregnancy and maternity are potentially vulnerable times for working women and their families, and that expectant and nursing mothers require special protection to prevent any potential adverse effects for them and their infants.



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