Ministry warns against bribery in learner admissions Uukwambi chief threatens legal action over alleged defamation
Elizabeth KheibesWINDHOEK
As the 2026 academic year begins on Monday, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has issued a stern warning to school officials, parents, and communities against bribery and other unlawful practices in learner admissions at State schools.
In a media release, the ministry stated that any staff member found soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or favours in exchange for learner placement would face serious disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal charges. “Any staff members found engaging in these practices will face serious disciplinary action as outlined in the law and, where applicable, criminal charges related to the performance of their official duties,” executive director Mbumba Erastus Haitengela said.
The directive applies to all staff at schools, circuit offices, and regional education offices, with the ministry stressing that such conduct constitutes misconduct under the Public Service Act of 1995 and the Public Service Staff Rules on integrity and ethics.
The ministry cited Section 25 of the Public Service Act, which deems it misconduct for a public servant to accept or demand any commission, fee, or reward not lawfully due by virtue of their office. Supervisors were also reminded of their duty under Regulation 23 of the Act to take action against breaches, with failure to do so regarded as negligence in the performance of official duties.
Teachers were further reminded of their ethical obligations under Section 114 of the Basic Education Act of 2020, which requires educators to act ethically in all dealings with learners.
The ministry also cautioned parents and guardians against offering bribes or favours to secure school placements, emphasising that the law provides clear protections to prevent financial barriers to access in State schools.
Under Section 67 of the Basic Education Act, compulsory tuition and examination fees at State schools are prohibited. In contrast, no person representing a State school may charge any fee for admitting a learner.
The Act also provides that a learner may not be refused admission because a parent or guardian is unable to make a voluntary contribution to a school development fund.
The ministry reiterated that learners may not be subjected to screening tests as part of the admissions process. It further referred to circular form Ed 05/2025 on the admission of learners in 2026, which allows schools to charge only a nominal application form fee not exceeding N$10 to cover administrative costs, while expressly prohibiting admission fees to secure a place.
Reaffirming the constitutional basis for access to education, the ministry said education is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 20 (1) of the Namibian Constitution and reinforced by Section 6 of the Basic Education Act. “Education is a constitutional right, and access to learning must be transparent and based solely on approved admission procedures, not on unlawful financial influence,” Haitengela said.
In a call to action, the ministry urged communities to help safeguard the integrity of the education system by reporting any irregularities, attempted bribery, or unlawful demands for payment to the relevant 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.
As the 2026 academic year begins on Monday, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has issued a stern warning to school officials, parents, and communities against bribery and other unlawful practices in learner admissions at State schools.
In a media release, the ministry stated that any staff member found soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or favours in exchange for learner placement would face serious disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal charges. “Any staff members found engaging in these practices will face serious disciplinary action as outlined in the law and, where applicable, criminal charges related to the performance of their official duties,” executive director Mbumba Erastus Haitengela said.
The directive applies to all staff at schools, circuit offices, and regional education offices, with the ministry stressing that such conduct constitutes misconduct under the Public Service Act of 1995 and the Public Service Staff Rules on integrity and ethics.
The ministry cited Section 25 of the Public Service Act, which deems it misconduct for a public servant to accept or demand any commission, fee, or reward not lawfully due by virtue of their office. Supervisors were also reminded of their duty under Regulation 23 of the Act to take action against breaches, with failure to do so regarded as negligence in the performance of official duties.
Teachers were further reminded of their ethical obligations under Section 114 of the Basic Education Act of 2020, which requires educators to act ethically in all dealings with learners.
The ministry also cautioned parents and guardians against offering bribes or favours to secure school placements, emphasising that the law provides clear protections to prevent financial barriers to access in State schools.
Under Section 67 of the Basic Education Act, compulsory tuition and examination fees at State schools are prohibited. In contrast, no person representing a State school may charge any fee for admitting a learner.
The Act also provides that a learner may not be refused admission because a parent or guardian is unable to make a voluntary contribution to a school development fund.
The ministry reiterated that learners may not be subjected to screening tests as part of the admissions process. It further referred to circular form Ed 05/2025 on the admission of learners in 2026, which allows schools to charge only a nominal application form fee not exceeding N$10 to cover administrative costs, while expressly prohibiting admission fees to secure a place.
Reaffirming the constitutional basis for access to education, the ministry said education is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 20 (1) of the Namibian Constitution and reinforced by Section 6 of the Basic Education Act. “Education is a constitutional right, and access to learning must be transparent and based solely on approved admission procedures, not on unlawful financial influence,” Haitengela said.
In a call to action, the ministry urged communities to help safeguard the integrity of the education system by reporting any irregularities, attempted bribery, or unlawful demands for payment to the relevant 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.
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