In light of growing inequality within the country, Informanté can this week reveal that the University of Namibia (UNAM) has an extraordinarily skewed salary structure. The difference between the top earners and the lowest paid exceeds N$750 000 per year.

Despite numerous problems dogging the highest tertiary institution in Namibia, ranging from sex for marks, over-enrolment, violence and murder as well as mal-administration, it seems that the upper echelons of staff at UNAM are enjoying extraordinarily high month-end salaries. UNAM employs about 1 161 workers throughout the country. Documents detailing the complete UNAM salary-structure and staff information indicate that the Vice-Chancellor, Lazarus Hangula, earns about N$840 000 per annum, benefits excluded, while the second highest paid staff member is Ellen Namhila who works as the University Librarian and earns about N$637 000 per annum.

Other UNAM staff members who earned more than N$500 000 per year, excluding benefits, include Erwin Tjiramba (Director of Communication), Itah Kandjii-Murangi (Dean of Students) and Reginald Izaks (Director of Human Resources).  The lowest paid worker is a General Assistant, Estate Services who earns a meagre N$27 000 per annum. The average salary of professors and lecturers range from N$50 000 to N$400 000 per annum, excluding additional benefits. Informanté is continuing its investigation into the salary structure at our highest tertiary institutions and invites readers with information to write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact 061-275 4363.