Renthia Kaimbi
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has warned teachers and school administrators against asking for or accepting bribes for school placements as schools prepare to reopen on Monday.
The ministry also urged parents and guardians to follow official admission procedures and to act with patience and honesty during the placement process.
The warning comes at a time when schools often face pressure from parents seeking last-minute placements, sometimes leading to reports of scams and illegal payments.
Education executive director Erastus Haitengela instructed all school and office staff not to solicit or accept any bribe, gift, or favour in exchange for enrolling a learner.
He said such conduct amounts to misconduct under the Public Service Act and breaches the Basic Education Act.
He warned that those involved will face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges.
The ministry also reminded parents and guardians not to offer bribes.
It clarified that state schools are not allowed to charge compulsory tuition or admission fees.
It said a child must be admitted even if a parent cannot make a voluntary contribution, and schools must not conduct screening tests for admission.
The ministry further emphasised that education is a constitutional right and that access to schools must be fair, transparent and based only on approved procedures.
“The ministry calls upon all communities to safeguard the integrity of our education system. Any irregularities, attempted bribery, or unlawful demands for payment should be reported immediately through the appropriate channels, including the regional directorates of education. We must work together to ensure that the placement of the Namibian child is determined by policy and fairness, not by unlawful financial influence,” Haitengela said.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said access to education must be handled fairly and through the correct processes.
She told the Windhoek Observer that admissions are managed by regional admissions committees.
She advised parents whose children have not yet been placed to contact their respective regional directors of education.
“It’s imperative, therefore, that we all protect the integrity of our schools but equally, the future of our children,” Steenkamp said.
Teachers have also raised concerns on social media about parents approaching schools at the last minute.
Some advised parents seeking placement to engage with schools as early as possible, including when schools reopen today, instead of waiting until learners officially return on Monday.
