Justicia Shipena
Two Windhoek learners have been ordered to perform community service after dressing in racist costumes at a private Halloween party, the Ministry of Education has said.
Education executive director Erastus Haitengela said that at the moment, a report is being finalised outlining the disciplinary measures and a restorative process involving the pupils and their families.
He said the ministry had taken a firm stance following the incident, describing the behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the country’s values of equality and respect.
Public outrage erupted on 31 October after photos of two boys in blackface, labelled with racist tags “k*ff*r 1” and “k*ff*r 2”, were shared on social media.
The pupils, who attend different schools, had attended a private Halloween event in Windhoek where the photos were taken and later shared online.
Haitengela added that the ministry will issue a circular to all schools, both public and private, strengthening values-based education, anti-racism initiatives and lessons on Namibia’s history of racial discrimination.
“We call upon parents, guardians, and educators to use this as a teachable moment, to engage young people on issues of racism, and to instil in them the values enshrined in our Constitution,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
“This behaviour is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done in fostering understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among young people,” he added.
The Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS), attended by one of the boys, said it learnt of the incident on 2 November and acted immediately.
“Our internal school rules make it clear that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated and can result in the highest forms of disciplinary consequences,” the school said.
DHPS on Wednesday confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had begun and that the matter was referred to the education ministry for guidance.
The school said the learner involved issued a written apology and acknowledged his actions were discriminatory.
“The affected learner has expressed remorse in a written statement and formally apologises to all those affected by his thoughtless action,” DHPS said.
The boy’s parents also submitted a statement condemning racism and apologising to those offended.
Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti said he met with the two boys on Wednesday, calling the discussion difficult but necessary. He noted that the learners expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for their actions.
“The engagement was not about passing judgement but about helping the youths learn from their mistake,” Ballotti said.
He urged the public to approach such moments with empathy rather than anger, saying growth comes from understanding and accountability.
“How we shape the hearts and minds of our youth matters,” he said.
