Nanso: State funding was neither secret nor corrupt

The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has dismissed allegations of corruption made by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and member of parliament Job Amupanda, describing the claims as defamatory and politically motivated.

The remarks follow claims by Amupanda on social media that government funds allocated to Nanso over the years were misused, and that the practice of subsidizing the student body has now been halted in the 2026/27 national budget.

“For 15 years, successive Swapo governments have been using public funds — budgeting between N$200 000 and N$500 000 annually — for a Swapo-connected student body called Nanso. The same support was not extended to other student organisations such as Nasa [National African Students’ Association] or SUN [Students Union of Namibia], raising concerns about fairness and equality,” Amupanda wrote.

He further alleged that, at a young age, some Nanso members engaged in questionable spending practices.

“There are claims that public funds were used to purchase items such as lollipops, nail polish and hotdogs. The people of Namibia are therefore informed that we have ended this 15-year practice. No more government money will go to Nanso; these funds will now be redirected to research,” he said.

Amupanda added: “In short, they must go. We thank the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, for listening to us and helping to end 15 years of alleged misconduct. Together, we can treat corruption as treason.”

Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo confirmed Nanso received funding from government but hastened to say the organisation has consistently accounted for all public funds received, insisting there is no basis for the accusations.

“On the corruption claims, we have always submitted our audited financial statements to the ministry [of education], accounting for every dollar we receive. Amupanda must be clear in what way Nanso is corrupt. Receiving government funding and reporting as the country’s largest student organisation does not make us corrupt,” she told Namibian Sun.

She stressed that Nanso’s funding has never been concealed and rejected suggestions that the organisation benefited unfairly.

“Our funding has never been a secret. If anything, the ministry has remained open to funding other unions. SUN has also received funding. These statements appear aimed at pushing a narrative and defaming the organisation,” Nangolo said.

Funding model changes

Nangolo, however, cautioned against trivialising serious allegations for political gain.

“Our doors are open, and our financial statements are available. Statements like these must not be made for the purpose of scoring cheap political points. Corruption is a serious allegation,” she said.

She added that Nanso’s track record and national footprint speak for themselves.

“Our work speaks for itself, as does our membership base and history. We are not a fly-by-night student organisation,” Nangolo said.

The exchange follows confirmation in Parliament by education minister Sanet Steenkamp that government funding to Nanso has officially been discontinued.

Steenkamp revealed that an October 2025 meeting between the ministry’s executive director and Nanso resulted in an agreement that there is no longer any standing funding arrangement. Going forward, the student body will be required to apply for support through the National Youth Council (NYC), in line with other youth formations.

She further confirmed that funds previously directed to NANSO have been reallocated to research and innovation, warning that any deviation from this framework would constitute a violation of government policy.

Historical role

Nanso is a representative body for students, trainees and learners, and has advocated for quality, equitable and accessible education in Namibia since its establishment in 1984.

Originally formed as a militant student movement opposing the Bantu Education system during apartheid, the organisation has evolved into a national platform aimed at protecting student interests, influencing policy, and amplifying the voices of young people in Namibia and beyond. - [email protected]