Namibia: Nangolo Mbumba Office Construction Controversy Questioned

• Former President Nangolo Mbumba denies knowledge of a new office being built for him in Windhoek, despite reports of its construction.
• Lawmaker Imms Nashinge questions Mbumba's entitlement to full post-presidential benefits, citing his acting presidential capacity.
• Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare had previously stated in 2025 that no new office for Mbumba was planned.
• The Former President's Pension and Other Benefits Act of 2004 provides benefits but does not mandate a separate office for each former president.
• N$152 million has been spent on retirement homes for four former presidents, with Mbumba's home costing N$38 million.

Nashinge highlighted that Mbumba served in an acting capacity as president and was not directly elected by the public.

A dispute has emerged in Namibia regarding the reported construction of a new office for former President Nangolo Mbumba in Windhoek. This development comes despite an earlier declaration from the government that no such facility was planned. When questioned about the construction, Mbumba stated he was unaware of any building activity, remarking, "Did you see them building something? Ask those that are building. I am on my farm."

Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Imms Nashinge has publicly questioned the appropriateness of providing full post-presidential benefits to Mbumba. Nashinge highlighted that Mbumba served in an acting capacity as president and was not directly elected by the public. He further raised concerns about public spending accountability, questioning why a new facility would be constructed when existing government offices could potentially be repurposed for this use.

The current situation appears to contradict a statement made by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare in parliament in 2025, where he explicitly said the government had no intentions of constructing a new office for Mbumba. Ngurare's remarks were in response to inquiries from Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani concerning post-presidency arrangements for Mbumba. Mbumba assumed the presidency in February 2024 following the passing of Hage Geingob and concluded his term in March 2025.

The Former President's Pension and Other Benefits Act of 2004 outlines entitlements for former presidents, which include a furnished office, personal staff, security, transportation, and medical aid. However, the legislation does not stipulate that a separate office must be constructed for each former head of state. Prime Minister Ngurare had previously indicated that the government was exploring a shared office complex solution for former presidents, aiming to reduce costs and enable the sharing of services among them.

The reported construction adds to existing concerns about Namibia public spending accountability related to former presidents' benefits. Earlier in February, it was reported that N$152 million had been spent on retirement homes for four former presidents: Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Hage Geingob, and Nangolo Mbumba. Specifically, Mbumba's retirement home in Windhoek accounted for N$38 million of this total, covering its purchase price, renovations, and furnishing.

Questions directed to the Presidency regarding the purpose, cost, and responsible institution for the alleged new office construction, as well as its alignment with the government's earlier position, remained unanswered at the time of publication. This lack of clarity further fuels the debate surrounding the allocation of state resources for former officials, particularly when a former president served in an acting role.

Lawyers advising government bodies or involved in public law should monitor how the Namibian government interprets and applies the Former President's Pension and Other Benefits Act of 2004, particularly concerning benefits for former heads of state who served in an acting capacity. This case highlights potential ambiguities in statutory entitlements and raises significant public accountability concerns regarding the allocation of state resources for former officials.

Source: Original reporting via The Namibian