35 Omuthiya boys kept out of class over hair, uniform rules

More than 35 boys at Omuthiya Senior Secondary School in the Oshikoto region have reportedly been banned from attending classes since last week Tuesday over their hair and uniforms, in apparent breach of Namibia's education regulations.

The affected learners are in grades 8 to 11.

Education minister Sanet Steenkamp told Namibian Sun this week that regulations do not permit learners to be denied access to class over hair or uniform non-compliance, but said she would not comment on the Omuthiya case specifically until it had been verified with the school and regional office.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, told Namibian Sun the boys were banned from class and instructed not to return to lessons until they got a proper haircut and adhered to the uniform policy.

"This is not a case of learners having dreadlocks or dyed hair. It's simply a matter of normal haircuts. Many of our children stay in community hostels and do not have anyone to provide them with funds for regular haircuts," the parent said.

They also pointed out that the school should have implemented a grace period to allow parents time to address these issues before taking such drastic measures.

Regarding the uniforms, the parent claimed that while uniforms are purchased through the school, some learners do not receive them in a timely manner, even after they were paid for.

The parent added that according to their knowledge, the ministry of education's policy does not allow learners to miss classes "due to their appearance".

The parent stressed that missing school has a negative effect on the child's education.

"We want our children to succeed academically. We are already aware that the school struggles academically; why should learners miss school at the beginning of the term over such minor issues?"

When contacted for comment, school principal Susan Muhongo declined to address the specific allegations. "We are awaiting the parents who are raising concerns. They are welcome to come to the school for guidance on the school rules," Muhongo told Namibian Sun.

Rules are ‘clear’

Steenkamp told Namibian Sun on Tuesday the relevant policy falls under the Basic Education Act, Act 3 of 2020, and the general rules of conduct for learners.

"The rules do require learners to maintain a neat and decent appearance," she said.

"However, regulations are clear that a learner may not be denied access to the school or class or be sent home, specifically because of an incorrect or incomplete uniform or because the learner’s hair does not comply with the prescribed requirements," the minister said.

Steenkamp said where there is non-compliance, schools must address it through disciplinary and corrective measures, including engaging the learner and parent.

"The emphasis must remain on maintaining discipline while protecting the learner’s right to continued teaching and learning," she said.

On the Omuthiya situation, Steenkamp said she would not comment on the facts before verification.

"I have, however, asked that the matter be verified with the school and the regional office so that we can establish the circumstances and ensure that the applicable rules are being followed," she said.

Oshikoto regional education director Hilma Nuunyango said she has not been informed about the incident yet when contacted for comment.

She said she would only be able to provide further comments after consulting with the school's management.