Also known as: Haitengela · Mbumba Haitengela · Mbumba Erastus Haitengela
Erastus Shapumba — owner of a Windhoek office building rented by the Ministry of Education since December 2023.
The government has cancelled a restricted bidding process for school hostel food procurement and extended costly interim emergency contracts for six months to avoid disruptions while a new tender is finalised. The extension follows legal procedures linked to the procurement process, though stakeholders raise concerns about transparency and the impact on vulnerable hostel pupils.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has cancelled a restricted bidding process for school hostel food procurement and extended costly interim emergency contracts for six months to avoid disruptions while a new tender is finalised. The extension follows legal procedures linked to the procurement process, though stakeholders raise concerns about transparency and the impact on vulnerable hostel pupils.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has pledged to eliminate unfair and corrupt recruitment practices within her ministry, citing persistent complaints about favouritism, bias and lack of transparency. She stressed that all appointments must be fair, transparent and competitive, and called on senior managers to ensure hiring processes comply with established policies and ethical standards.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
Oshanamutango Primary School in Olukonda constituency has remained closed since 2018 after enrolment fell below the Ministry of Education's minimum requirement of 50 learners. Community leaders have proposed repurposing the school infrastructure for a vocational training centre or police station, pending approval from regional authorities.
27 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education has instructed private schools to operate only within their approved grades and programmes, following reports that Eileen Private School in Kavango East offered Grade 10 classes without authorisation. The school has been formally instructed to discontinue the grade and the ministry says it will continue monitoring to ensure compliance with the Education Act.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive requiring private schools offering the IEB curriculum to register Grade 12 learners with recognised examining bodies, as the IEB International Secondary Certificate is not recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and learners risk denial of university admission.
14 March 2026 · Informanté →
Primary schools have been allocated N$11.8 billion (42%) of the N$28 billion education budget for 2026/2027, with higher education receiving N$7.3 billion and secondary education N$5.38 billion. The education ministry has established systems to ensure transparent and accountable distribution of funds, with grant payments based on verified enrolment statistics.
6 March 2026 · New Era →
The education ministry is shifting focus toward inclusive education by integrating pupils with disabilities into mainstream schools rather than relying solely on special schools, citing improved access to education and proximity to family support. The move faces infrastructure and specialist training challenges, though the ministry plans feasibility studies and expanded facilities while disability advocates welcome the approach but emphasize the need for adequate support, smaller classes, and anti-bullying policies.
20 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has paid an estimated N$27.5 million in rental fees over 25 months for a Windhoek office building owned by Erastus Shapumba that remains unoccupied since the lease was signed in December 2023. The Works and Transport Minister confirmed the government cannot easily terminate the contract despite ongoing construction delays and a subsequent ministry merger in March 2025 that contributed to the delayed relocation.
17 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture will invest N$10 million to revive the Namibian Annual Music Awards after a six-year pause, aiming to celebrate local musical talent and support growth in the music industry.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has announced the revival of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) this year, following a six-year pause. The ministry aims to support the local music industry, encourage emerging artists, and reinforce music's role in nation-building and cultural identity.
26 January 2026 · Informanté →