Education ministry clarifies state funding review of Walvis schools
• No forced retirements amid private school funding review
The ministry has clarified that the review of state funding for schools forms part of a systematic nationwide compliance and equity process affecting all private schools that receive state subsidies.
Leandrea mouersWalvis Bay
The education ministry has issued a formal clarification on the three Walvis Bay private schools whose state funding is under review, affecting a total of 51 teachers at the three schools, respectively.
In a statement, the ministry said that it wishes to clarify and address public concerns and recent “media inaccuracies” related to the review of state-funded schools, which is affecting teachers recruited at certain private schools in the Erongo region.
The schools are Walvis Bay Private School, Laerskool Walvisbaai, and Duneside Private School.
“The ministry emphasises that its actions are fully aligned with the Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020) and are driven by principles of equity, accountability and the responsible management and administration of public resources,” the statement read.
“We maintain a clear, measured and lawful approach to the administration of state aid and will not allow misinformation to undermine the processes underway,” it added.
The ministry explained that the ongoing review of state-funded private schools is grounded in Sections 73 and 83 of the Basic Education Act of 2020, which provide the legal framework for the registration of private schools and state aid.
The minister underlined that the review is “not abrupt, punitive or selective” but forms part of a systematic nationwide compliance and equity process affecting all private schools that receive state support.
The minister added that its first responsibility remains the strengthening of public/state schools, which serve the majority of Namibian learners.
Legal requirements outlined
Providing further clarification, the ministry explained that the Basic Education Act sets out two types of requirements for private schools.
All private schools must meet the basic registration requirements under Section 76, including proper infrastructure, qualified teachers, an approved curriculum, and safe learning conditions.
It was clarified that private schools that seek state funding must meet additional conditions under Section 83, such as having a formal school board, following non-discriminatory admissions, complying with governance and staffing rules, submitting financial statements and operating as non-profit unless authorised otherwise.
“These stricter accountability measures apply only to schools receiving state aid,” the minister stressed.
Furthermore, under Section 83(1), the minister may grant aid to private schools only from funds appropriated by parliament and strictly subject to the prescribed conditions.
“State aid, whether in the form of subsidies, materials or the deployment of teachers, must be justified, compliant and in the best interests of the public. The ministry is mandated to withdraw or review state aid where a school fails to comply with legal and policy requirements, does not meet governance or accountability standards, or no longer operates under conditions that justify the application of public funds,” the ministry’s statement read.
Furthermore, where financial statements, accountability reports or compliance documentation are not submitted, the ministry is legally obligated to intervene.
One-on-one consultations
The ministry also noted that no teacher appointed under the Public Service Act will be forced into early retirement or relocation.
“All teachers affected by the review are being consulted individually and may choose to: stay in government service and be placed at a state school in their current area, request a transfer to another region, remain at a private school as a private employee if the school agrees, or voluntarily apply for early retirement if eligible.”
All decisions and placements will follow the Public Service Act, and teachers who remain in government employment are guaranteed job security and proper placement, it added.
Clarified
They emphasised that “they will not allow misinformation to cause anxiety among teachers and parents. Contrary to the information in the press, there are currently 51 government posts allocated to the three schools, respectively.”
With respect to Laerskool Walvisbaai, the ministry confirms that a legally binding settlement was reached between the parties following court proceedings. As per the terms of the agreement, the contents of the settlement remain confidential.
“The ministry respects and upholds this legal confidentiality and will not comment on the specifics of the settlement. However, the ministry reaffirms that all resolutions reached comply with the Basic Education Act and serve the best interest of learners and public accountability.”
The ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and teachers and will continue structured engagements with school leadership, regional directorates and stakeholders.
“The ministry encourages the public to rely on official statements rather than speculation or partial information. Supporting public schools remains a national priority; therefore, the ministry’s decisions ensure that state resources are directed where they are most needed and where accountability is assured.”
They reiterated that equity remains the cornerstone of public funding decisions, and accountability is non-negotiable where public resources are involved.
“Public schools, serving the majority, must be supported to uphold quality learning environments; private schools remain valued partners; however, the continuation of state aid is dependent on full compliance with Section 83 of the Basic Education Act and is further subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Parliament and the fulfilment of all prescribed conditions.”
“All decisions taken are lawful, deliberate and guided by the principles of fairness, accountability, and the responsible use of public resources.”
The education ministry has issued a formal clarification on the three Walvis Bay private schools whose state funding is under review, affecting a total of 51 teachers at the three schools, respectively.
In a statement, the ministry said that it wishes to clarify and address public concerns and recent “media inaccuracies” related to the review of state-funded schools, which is affecting teachers recruited at certain private schools in the Erongo region.
The schools are Walvis Bay Private School, Laerskool Walvisbaai, and Duneside Private School.
“The ministry emphasises that its actions are fully aligned with the Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020) and are driven by principles of equity, accountability and the responsible management and administration of public resources,” the statement read.
“We maintain a clear, measured and lawful approach to the administration of state aid and will not allow misinformation to undermine the processes underway,” it added.
The ministry explained that the ongoing review of state-funded private schools is grounded in Sections 73 and 83 of the Basic Education Act of 2020, which provide the legal framework for the registration of private schools and state aid.
The minister underlined that the review is “not abrupt, punitive or selective” but forms part of a systematic nationwide compliance and equity process affecting all private schools that receive state support.
The minister added that its first responsibility remains the strengthening of public/state schools, which serve the majority of Namibian learners.
Legal requirements outlined
Providing further clarification, the ministry explained that the Basic Education Act sets out two types of requirements for private schools.
All private schools must meet the basic registration requirements under Section 76, including proper infrastructure, qualified teachers, an approved curriculum, and safe learning conditions.
It was clarified that private schools that seek state funding must meet additional conditions under Section 83, such as having a formal school board, following non-discriminatory admissions, complying with governance and staffing rules, submitting financial statements and operating as non-profit unless authorised otherwise.
“These stricter accountability measures apply only to schools receiving state aid,” the minister stressed.
Furthermore, under Section 83(1), the minister may grant aid to private schools only from funds appropriated by parliament and strictly subject to the prescribed conditions.
“State aid, whether in the form of subsidies, materials or the deployment of teachers, must be justified, compliant and in the best interests of the public. The ministry is mandated to withdraw or review state aid where a school fails to comply with legal and policy requirements, does not meet governance or accountability standards, or no longer operates under conditions that justify the application of public funds,” the ministry’s statement read.
Furthermore, where financial statements, accountability reports or compliance documentation are not submitted, the ministry is legally obligated to intervene.
One-on-one consultations
The ministry also noted that no teacher appointed under the Public Service Act will be forced into early retirement or relocation.
“All teachers affected by the review are being consulted individually and may choose to: stay in government service and be placed at a state school in their current area, request a transfer to another region, remain at a private school as a private employee if the school agrees, or voluntarily apply for early retirement if eligible.”
All decisions and placements will follow the Public Service Act, and teachers who remain in government employment are guaranteed job security and proper placement, it added.
Clarified
They emphasised that “they will not allow misinformation to cause anxiety among teachers and parents. Contrary to the information in the press, there are currently 51 government posts allocated to the three schools, respectively.”
With respect to Laerskool Walvisbaai, the ministry confirms that a legally binding settlement was reached between the parties following court proceedings. As per the terms of the agreement, the contents of the settlement remain confidential.
“The ministry respects and upholds this legal confidentiality and will not comment on the specifics of the settlement. However, the ministry reaffirms that all resolutions reached comply with the Basic Education Act and serve the best interest of learners and public accountability.”
The ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and teachers and will continue structured engagements with school leadership, regional directorates and stakeholders.
“The ministry encourages the public to rely on official statements rather than speculation or partial information. Supporting public schools remains a national priority; therefore, the ministry’s decisions ensure that state resources are directed where they are most needed and where accountability is assured.”
They reiterated that equity remains the cornerstone of public funding decisions, and accountability is non-negotiable where public resources are involved.
“Public schools, serving the majority, must be supported to uphold quality learning environments; private schools remain valued partners; however, the continuation of state aid is dependent on full compliance with Section 83 of the Basic Education Act and is further subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Parliament and the fulfilment of all prescribed conditions.”
“All decisions taken are lawful, deliberate and guided by the principles of fairness, accountability, and the responsible use of public resources.”
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