Blackface scandal: WAP and DHPS take disciplinary action
Svenja Hecht & Frank SteffenWindhoek
Two private schools in Windhoek have launched internal disciplinary processes and pledged stronger anti-racism education following the ‘blackface’ incident that sparked outrage nationwide over the weekend.
The controversy erupted after two white learners painted themselves black at a private gathering and referred to themselves using the racial slur “K*ffer.” The act, condemned by human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe as both offensive and unlawful, has prompted swift institutional responses from the schools involved — Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) and the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS).
WAP principal Alida Hill confirmed that her school has already held a meeting with the parents of the implicated learner.
“We are deeply disappointed. We do not condone this behaviour under any circumstances,” Hill said. “A disciplinary process is underway, and we are working closely with the family to address the gravity of the matter.”
Hill added that the school’s code of conduct would guide any sanctions and that the broader school community would be engaged in discussions about respect, diversity, and the social impact of racist behaviour.
DHPS strengthens inclusion policy
Meanwhile, the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) said it immediately implemented disciplinary measures against its student and notified the ministry of education.
In a press statement, DHPS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on racism:
“Any form of discrimination, particularly racism, is strictly prohibited. We are committed to a respectful learning environment free of prejudice.”
The school has reportedly begun reviewing its diversity education programmes and is planning additional workshops on Namibia’s racial history and the consequences of hate speech.
Minister calls for accountability
In a statement, education minister Sanet Steenkamp welcomed the schools’ swift interventions but stressed the need for sustained cultural change rather than one-off disciplinary measures.
“We must ensure that our schools are not only centres of academic excellence but also spaces where human dignity is respected and celebrated,” Steenkamp said, calling for “strict and immediate action.”
The incident has reignited conversations about racial awareness in elite educational settings and the responsibility of schools to teach historical context and empathy. Both schools say they are committed to using the episode as a learning opportunity for their pupils.
Two private schools in Windhoek have launched internal disciplinary processes and pledged stronger anti-racism education following the ‘blackface’ incident that sparked outrage nationwide over the weekend.
The controversy erupted after two white learners painted themselves black at a private gathering and referred to themselves using the racial slur “K*ffer.” The act, condemned by human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe as both offensive and unlawful, has prompted swift institutional responses from the schools involved — Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) and the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS).
WAP principal Alida Hill confirmed that her school has already held a meeting with the parents of the implicated learner.
“We are deeply disappointed. We do not condone this behaviour under any circumstances,” Hill said. “A disciplinary process is underway, and we are working closely with the family to address the gravity of the matter.”
Hill added that the school’s code of conduct would guide any sanctions and that the broader school community would be engaged in discussions about respect, diversity, and the social impact of racist behaviour.
DHPS strengthens inclusion policy
Meanwhile, the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) said it immediately implemented disciplinary measures against its student and notified the ministry of education.
In a press statement, DHPS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on racism:
“Any form of discrimination, particularly racism, is strictly prohibited. We are committed to a respectful learning environment free of prejudice.”
The school has reportedly begun reviewing its diversity education programmes and is planning additional workshops on Namibia’s racial history and the consequences of hate speech.
Minister calls for accountability
In a statement, education minister Sanet Steenkamp welcomed the schools’ swift interventions but stressed the need for sustained cultural change rather than one-off disciplinary measures.
“We must ensure that our schools are not only centres of academic excellence but also spaces where human dignity is respected and celebrated,” Steenkamp said, calling for “strict and immediate action.”
The incident has reignited conversations about racial awareness in elite educational settings and the responsibility of schools to teach historical context and empathy. Both schools say they are committed to using the episode as a learning opportunity for their pupils.
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