• By Stefanus Nashama

The national coordinator of the Namibian Schools Sport Union (NSSU), Roger Kambatuku, has come under fire from peers in the sector, for allegedly receiving two salaries from the government.  This, is it claimed, is being carried out in absence of the required approval from the prime minister on recommendation of the public service commission. 

A source told Confidente last week, that Kambatuku has been drawing a salary from the NSSU, despite already being on full pay and benefits as a seconded staff member from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture. 

Documents seen by Confidente indicate that, NSSU, which is fully-funded by the same ministry, is now under pressure to explain why additional remuneration was autho rized outside the legal procedures. Kambatuku was seconded to the NSSU post in November 2023 for a three-year term to transform the union. According to Kambatuku’s secondment agreement, he remains under the payroll and administrative control of the parent institution, in this case, the ministry. 

These includes receiving his full salary and benefits, while all work-related expenses like travel and overtime are covered by the requesting institution, which is the NSSU.

However, any additional payments, bonuses, or allowances from the requesting institution must be deposited into the government revenue, unless explicitly approved by the prime minister and the public service commission. The agreement makes it clear that no such payments can be retained by the employee without this high-level clearance.

“All money paid in respect of seconded staff must follow strict rules. Any extra allowance must be approved in advance. Otherwise, it’s a violation of treasury and public service regulations,” the document reads. Kambatuku, who is currently believed to be out of the country, could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.

Meanwhile, some sources within NSSU say the controversy has triggered calls for an internal review of financial governance within the union, especially regarding seconded employees and compliance with national regulations.
Another well-placed source close to the matter said the payment violates public service rules and the union’s own constitution.

“He must have approval from the prime minister, based on a recommendation from the public service commission. NSSU had no right to pay him extra without that,” the source stated. The source further emphasised that Kambatuku is already receiving full remuneration from the ministry that also funds NSSU, describing the actions as “double dipping” from a single government source.

ACTING ALLOWANCE
Meanwhile, executive director of the ministry, Erastus Haitengela said Kambatuku is not receiving two salaries, but rather an acting allowance in line with standard government practice. “To set the record straight, Kambatuku is not receiving two salaries as it is being alleged. However, the NSSU resolved to give [him] an acting allowance,” Haitengela said.

He explained that the acting allowance was justified, as the national coordinator position carries a higher salary scale than that of a senior sport officer, Kambatuku’s substantive post. “It is on this basis that the NSSU Trioka procedurally resolved that Kambatuku was due for an acting allowance. This is a standard acceptable practice when one acts in a higher position,” he added.

He said the union, while linked to the ministry, operates under its own governance structures and constitution. Haitengela also emphasised that the ministry respects these structures and remains committed to supporting their development.

He further said that the union reform process is nearing completion, with recommendations expected to enhance governance and provide clarity on the organization’s relationship with the ministry. At the same time, Haitengela welcomed any credible information regarding potential irregularities, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

He said Kambatuku’s secondment was officially approved by the Office of the Prime Minister following a request by the NSSU Troika, which is the union’s highest decision-making body between national council sessions. “Kambatuku was seconded due to his proven competency and leadership. He is instrumental in initiating necessary financial audit processes concerning public funds allocated to the NSSU,” Haitengela stated.