By Timo Shihepo and Tracy Tafirenyika | 16 April 2025
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts, and culture Dino Ballotti allegedly considered resigning from his political position after receiving a lower-than-expected package.
The downgrade was from N$150 000 to N$65 000 per month (before taxes).
Ballotti is best known for his tenure at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), a state agency noted as much for its investment drive as for its generous salaries and travel perks.
Last year, Ballotti entered the political arena.
His appointment as deputy minister will see him earn N$65 000 a month, compared to N$150 000 he reportedly earned as NIPDB consultant.
The Namibian understands Ballotti recently told associates his new salary package will not sustain him and his family. He hinted that he might quit.
It remains unclear whether Ballotti will jump ship.
Some sources believe such a move could harm his political reputation, particularly after president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah supported his inclusion on the party list and his appointment as deputy minister. Nandi-Ndaitwah is said to have faced internal party pressure from those who opposed Ballotti’s appointment.
The deputy minister yesterday confirmed the financial adjustment, but denied plans to quit.
“Firstly, factually, the numbers you shared are not accurate. However, thank you for considering my view. “It is indeed an adjustment, but I heeded the call to serve my country, and no amount of money could persuade me otherwise,” he said.
Ballotti admitted he would have to make adjustments due to a reduction in his salary, but did not reveal the purported correct figures.
“I have chosen to sell a car or two, and we have made some adjustments at home to best work with what we have. This is not a fair question. If I were driven by money, I would not have heeded the call to serve and impact the sectors our ministry is mandated to support.”
Ballotti said he was fully committed to the role and its responsibilities.
“When our five-year term comes to an end, I will gladly step down should we not have delivered on the commitments we have made to our fellow Namibians.
“Equally, should her excellency see it fit for me to continue, I will gladly do so, regardless of remuneration. To serve is the greatest honour and responsibility afforded to me.”
As deputy minister, Ballotti’s annual water and electricity bills (N$48 240), housing allowance (N$159 222) and telephone allowance (N$1 080) will be paid by the government.
Before his switch to politics, the deputy minister held a senior position at the NIPDB, first as executive director for micro, small and medium enterprises from 2021 until August 2024.
After a brief stint at First National Bank of Namibia, starting 15 August 2024, he left the bank following his nomination by Nandi-Ndaitwah as a candidate for the National Assembly. FNB is believed to have parted ways with him because he was a politically exposed person.
After his position in the National Assembly was confirmed, he then returned to the NIPDB in October 2024 on a six-month consultancy contract, earning around N$150 000 per month.
Sources say Ballotti was initially deemed as front runner for a full ministerial post, which would have carried a salary of about N$90 000 per month.
JOBS FOR PALS
The Namibian last year reported that the investment board is rumoured to have been creating ‘jobs for pals’.
This allegedly included Ballotti’s swift rehiring by the board last year involving a position created for him.
Sources say the rehiring was viewed as using taxpayer resources to campaign for Swapo.
“After informing [NIPDB chief executive director Nangula] Uaandja of my decision to step down at the bank, she enquired about my availability to rejoin and see through a few projects … I will be doing contract work for the NIPDB, with very clear deliverables set out,” Ballotti told the media last year.
He said his return was by mutual agreement.
“After the announcement of my name on the Swapo list, the leadership of the bank and I had a conversation where it was mutually agreed that I would be redeployed in the business to safeguard any risk and perceived risk, owing to my portfolio, which oversaw both business and public sector banking,” Ballotti said last year.
His return was seen as Uaandja doing him a favour, hoping for one in return when he becomes a lawmaker or Cabinet member.
‘SECRET’ APPOINTMENT
Then the official opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) last year expressed concern over the governance, equity, and transparency of public institutions following the announcement of Ballotti’s return to the NIPDB.
In a statement released to the media last year, PDM president McHenry Venaani claimed the appointment was done under a veil of secrecy.
He said according to reports, Ballotti’s role as technical consultant may not have existed before his reappointment, and that there was no open hiring procedure for other suitably qualified candidates to apply.
Furthermore, he said the appointment calls into question the position’s validity and whether it was specifically designed for Balloti’s economic security.
NIPDB RESPONDS
NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu yesterday said the board addressed the matter last year.
“The NIPDB has previously issued a comprehensive statement regarding the engagement of Dino Ballotti. Kindly refer to the statement attached for the details pertaining to this matter.”
The Namibian yesterday wanted to know how the N$150 000 was determined and how it compared to other standard rates for similar consultancy roles within the NIPDB or public sector.
In a statement dated 15 October 2024, Shipushu said Ballotti was employed on a fixed-term contract basis.
She said Ballotti’s experience was vital to the successful delivery of key initiatives being pursued by the NIPDB.
“Given Mr Ballotti’s deep understanding of the NIPDB’s goals and challenges, his temporary engagement was thus deemed essential for the continued advancement of the organisation’s strategic objectives.
