Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
September 2026
The Namibian
Benhard Kavauproposestransferring students to other institutions offering same programme
Source
“Students Union of Namibia chairperson and spokesperson Benhard Kavau says institutions should explore whether students can be transferred to other institutions offering the same programme if placements cannot be secured.”
Students Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavauquestioned whether training alone could addresswider problems facing young people
Source
“Students Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavau, however, questioned whether training alone could address wider problems facing young people, while Namibia National Students Organisation spokesperson Ndayola Mulongeni said any expansion should be properly resourced and should not interfere with education.”
Students Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavauquestionsassumption that compulsory national service solves indiscipline
Source
“Kavau says if the government is genuinely concerned about discipline, corruption, crime, and moral decay, it must first confront the conduct of the older generation and, particularly, those in positions of power.”
SUN board chairperson Benhard Kavausays livestock could be accepted asalternative forms of payment if system developed
Source
“SUN board chairperson, Benhard Kavau, says cattle, donkeys, chickens and even bags of mahangu could be accepted as alternative forms of payment if a proper system is developed.”
Student Union of Namibia board chairperson and youth leader Benhard Kavausaid the minister now carries the responsibility of decidingthe future direction of the NYC
Source
“Student Union of Namibia board chairperson and youth leader Benhard Kavau said the minister now carries the responsibility of deciding the future direction of the NYC.”
SUN board chairperson Benhard Kavaucalled on young people to supportSimon's candidacy
Source
“SUN board chairperson Benhard Kavau called on all young people to support Simon's candidacy regardless of their political affiliations, arguing that issues like unemployment and access to education affect all young Namibians equally.”
More than 120 medical laboratory science students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology face academic disruption and possible deregistration due to limited work-integrated learning placements. The Namibia National Students Organisation met with Nust administration to resolve the issue, with some students already deregistered and others uncertain about their academic futures.
More than 120 medical laboratory science students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology face academic disruption and possible deregistration due to limited work-integrated learning placements. The Namibia National Students Organisation met with Nust administration to resolve the issue, with some students already deregistered and others uncertain about their academic futures.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the National Youth Service should measure success beyond recruitment and training figures, tracking how many former recruits pursue further education, secure employment, or contribute to their communities. The call comes as demand for NYS programmes grows, with about 18,000 young people applying for the 17th intake this year.
Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo has backed a government proposal for compulsory national service, arguing it could promote discipline, patriotism, and practical skills to combat youth unemployment. He notes the programme would require additional government funding to expand effectively.
On International Youth Day, young people and youth advocates say Namibia must move beyond policy promises and consultations to deliver concrete results. A Students Union of Namibia leader cited unfulfilled pledges on sport infrastructure, while a youth ministry officer noted that consultation without actual policy change does not constitute meaningful youth participation.
Students at Shiramed Medical Institute in Katima Mulilo have negotiated with the institution to pay tuition fees with cattle instead of cash, an arrangement the principal tutor says has helped those without ready cash but who own livestock. The Students Union of Namibia supports the model, suggesting payment with livestock and agricultural produce could help rural families access higher education.
A National Youth Council elective general assembly that began Friday descended into chaos on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and prompting education minister Sanet Steenkamp to postpone the assembly indefinitely. The disruption involved disputes over the electoral process, with disagreements over delegate allocations and factional tensions.
A coalition of youth and student groups from across Namibia's political spectrum has endorsed Ester Simon as their sole candidate for executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, ahead of the NYC's elective General Assembly in Swakopmund. Simon will contest the position against former NANSO president Simon Taapopi.
Government has advanced N$247 million to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to accelerate the processing of student refunds under the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding model, with disbursements expected to commence this week. Student Union of Namibia confirmed that refunds started reflecting in student accounts on Monday.
The Ministry of Education has directed higher education institutions to allow NSFAF-funded students to write examinations and access results while funding payments are being finalised. The ministry is processing about 100,000 student funding records; delays stem from a high volume of applications, implementation of a new tertiary education funding model, and NSFAF integration.
University students report severe financial hardship due to delayed Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) non-tuition payments, which they need for accommodation, food, transport and academic expenses. NSFAF spokesperson Percy Tjahere attributed delays to late invoice submissions by institutions, saying students whose invoices were submitted on time have been paid and the next payments are due in May.
The Public Service Commission retained 16 officials over the age of 60 due to their specialised skills, citing legal provisions for critical expertise gaps, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition over potential political patronage and youth unemployment.
Five years after its rollout, Namibia's Advanced Subsidiary curriculum will undergo review as the percentage of candidates graded in at least three subjects fell to 70.30% in 2025 from a 2021 peak of 76.00%. The Ministry of Education cited performance data, monitoring visits, and examination analysis as informing potential revisions.
The Students Union of Namibia honoured Kennedy Kandume, who served as NSFAF's acting CEO for eight years until last month, with an Award of Excellence for his transformative leadership in expanding financial support to students and procuring laptops during the Covid-19 pandemic. NSFAF has since been reintegrated into the education ministry as a department.