Windhoek: Swapo Party member of Parliament, Justina Jonas, has expressed strong support for the 2026/2027 national budget, stating that it directly aligns with the Swapo Party manifesto. During the parliamentary debate on the budget on Thursday, Jonas referred to the budget as a 'social contract' between Swapo and the Namibian people, asserting that it turns the party's manifesto into a 'vehicle for service delivery.'

According to Namibia Press Agency, Jonas emphasized that the balanced approach of the budget reflects the Swapo manifesto's commitment to responsible economic management that safeguards national development while protecting the social welfare of the people. She stated that the budget advances the commitment to improving the welfare of the Namibian people.

Jonas highlighted the ruling party's support for enhancements to civil servants' salaries and benefits, with Grades 14 and 15 set to receive an increase of N.dollars 700, and employees in Grades 1 to 13 benefiting from a five percent salary adjustment, effective April 2026. She stressed that these measures acknowledge the essential contributions of all public servants, including uniformed personnel, and assist in mitigating the rising cost of living.

She noted that leadership in public service must be fairly compensated to strengthen accountability, professionalism, and effective governance. Proper support for those entrusted with national responsibility is seen as a way to improve the quality of governance and strengthen public confidence in institutions.

Jonas also identified job creation as a key focus of the Swapo Party's action plan, with the budget reflecting this commitment through direct hiring in essential public services. She praised the allocation of N.dollars 259 million for recruiting health professionals, emphasizing that it will enhance the health system and provide job opportunities for qualified Namibians, particularly youth. Additionally, N.dollars 78 million has been designated for appointing judges and magistrates.

Further allocations include N.dollars 108 million for recruitment within the National Correctional Service, with additional resources supporting the training and recruitment of NamPol trainees. Jonas highlighted the need to honor commitments to decent work and fair pay, despite the budget's focus on labor for economic growth. She pointed out that workers in Namibia, particularly in mining and fishing, experience low wages, insecure contracts, and job instability, which contradicts Swapo's manifesto.

'Economic growth should always be supported by robust labor protections,' she concluded.