Benhard Kavau

2026-04-172026-10-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

April 2026
28 AprThe Namibian
Student Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavau says many African nations have persistent tendency for senior officials to remain beyond retirement
Source
“Student Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavau says in many African nations, there is a persistent tendency for senior officials to remain in office beyond retirement age.”
Skilled retirees retained as Namibia’s youth face joblessness
27 AprThe Namibian
Benhard Kavau argues teacher-pupil ratio must be capped at 1:30 for improvement
Source
“Students' Union of Namibia board chairperson Benhard Kavau argues that "until deliberate policy intervention ensures a manageable teacher-pupil ratio is ideally capped at 1:30, both theoretical instruction and practical application will remain compromised, leaving pupils underserved and educators overstretched."”
NSSCAS curriculum review looms as results lag
17 AprNew Era
Benhard Kavau is SUN board chairperson
Source
“the SUN board chairperson, Benhard Kavau, expressed profound appreciation for Kandume's transformative leadership”
Ex-NSFAF supremo honoured

Society

Over 120 medical laboratory science students face deregistration

The News

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.

30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 30 September

Over 120 medical laboratory science students face deregistration
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.
30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

NYS urged to track young people's outcomes after programmes
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.
18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

Swapo Youth League supports compulsory national youth service
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.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 12 August

Youth demand tangible opportunities beyond government promises
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.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

Katima medical students settle tuition fees with cattle
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.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 22 June

National Youth Council assembly postponed after violent clashes
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.
22 June 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 17 June

Youth coalition endorses Ester Simon for NYC chairperson
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.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 11 June

Government advances N$247m to NSFAF for student refunds
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.
11 June 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 2 June

Government orders universities to permit NSFAF-funded student exams
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.
2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 19 May

NSFAF delays non-tuition payments, leaving students in hardship
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.
19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 April

PSC retains 16 officials over 60 amid youth joblessness row
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.
28 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

Advanced Subsidiary curriculum review planned as performance declines
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.
27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

Former NSFAF chief Kennedy Kandume receives Award of Excellence
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.
17 April 2026 · New Era →