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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture

Also known as: MEIYSAC · Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture · Ministry of Youth

Namibian government ministry responsible for education policy, curriculum, examinations, school infrastructure, and creative sector initiatives.

2026-01-072026-10-22
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News reports

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  1. June 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture urged the public to report higher education institutions operating without registration or accreditation

    Source

    “The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has urged the public to report higher education institutions operating without registration or accreditation.”

    Education ministry warns against fake universities

  3. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture condemned the violence

    Source

    “The ministry strongly condemned the violence, saying no grievance justified causing harm to others and confirming that the matter is now being reviewed by the relevant authorities.”

    Nine injured as youth vote halted

  4. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture collaborated to launch the 2026 Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic in Oshakati.

    Source

    “The clinic was launched at Oshakati Independence Stadium this week through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), the Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU), Cadilu Fishing Pty Ltd and the Real Madrid Foundation.”

    Real Madrid Foundation football clinic kicks off in Oshakati

  5. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture urged parents and guardians not to camp outside schools to secure admission for their children

    Source

    “The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has urged parents and guardians not to camp outside schools in an effort to secure admission for their children, stressing that Namibia's school admission process is not based on a first-come, first-served system.”

    Parents urged not to camp at schools as Education Ministry clarifies 2027 admissions process

  6. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture made clarification in statement delivered in National Assembly on behalf of Minister Sanet Steenkamp

    Source

    “The ministry made the clarification in a statement delivered in the National Assembly on behalf of Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp during the third session of the 8th Parliament.”

    Parents urged not to camp at schools as Education Ministry clarifies 2027 admissions process

  7. New Era

    Acting deputy director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture was represented at the Nedbank Citi Dash launch

    Source

    “Speaking at the launch, acting deputy director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mzee Letu Hamhola, highlighted the significance of the race.”

    Nedbank Citi Dash eyes record turnout

  8. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture directed higher education institutions to allow NSFAF-funded students to write examinations and access results

    Source

    “The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has directed higher education institutions to allow Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)-funded students to write examinations and access their academic results while funding processes are being finalised.”

    Govt orders universities to allow NSFAF students to write exams
  9. May 2026

  10. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture hosted hybrid information and coaching session on EU funding opportunities for higher education

    Source

    “THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the University of Namibia (UNAM) hosted a hybrid information and coaching session on European Union funding opportunities for higher education institutions under the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes, aimed at strengthening research collaboration, innovation, and institutional capacity.”

    EU funding opportunities showcased for universities and researchers

  11. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture commended by Vice President for advancing inclusive education and ensuring equitable learning opportunities

    Source

    “Vice President of Namibia Witbooi commended the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture for advancing inclusive education and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all Namibian learners.”

    Vice President Witbooi commends Namibia’s inclusive education success

  12. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture will host Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills Graduation Ceremony tomorrow at Augustineum Secondary School Hall

    Source

    “THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, through the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), will host the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills (CBPVS) Graduation Ceremony tomorrow at the Augustineum Secondary School Hall in Windhoek, with officials highlighting the programme's growing role in transforming inclusive education and skills development in Namibia.”

    CBPVS graduation highlights shift toward inclusive vocational training
Society

NSFAF holds N$20.3 million in unallocated student repayments

The News

Former students repaid N$21.5 million to NSFAF in the 2024/25 financial year, but N$20.3 million remained in a clearing account as at 31 March 2025 instead of being credited to individual loan accounts, due to a moratorium on system migration. The auditor general warns this affects interest calculations and loan balances, and notes that NSFAF could not provide supporting documentation for verification.

14 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. NSFAF holds N$20.3 million in unallocated student repayments

    Former students repaid N$21.5 million to NSFAF in the 2024/25 financial year, but N$20.3 million remained in a clearing account as at 31 March 2025 instead of being credited to individual loan accounts, due to a moratorium on system migration. The auditor general warns this affects interest calculations and loan balances, and notes that NSFAF could not provide supporting documentation for verification.

    14 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. NSFAF recovers less than 1% of student loan debt in 2024/25

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund recovered N$21.5 million in student loans during 2024/25, representing less than 1% of its total student debtors, while auditors raised concerns about weak loan recovery processes, record-keeping, and the fund's ability to trace borrowers and establish debtor status.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Education ministry identifies skills gaps in 2025–2030 plan

    Namibia's education ministry has identified learning outcome gaps and skills mismatches as key challenges in its new five-year strategic plan, pledging to address youth unemployment through a National Human Resources Development Strategy and better workforce preparation.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Government targets 148 permanent classrooms by 2027

    Namibia's education ministry aims to complete 148 permanent classrooms and 66 pre-primary classrooms across all 14 regions before the 2027 academic year, as part of a 2025–2030 strategic plan to address overcrowding and improve access to education. The ministry is also constructing 25 new schools in 10 regions, with 22 already at roof level, though officials cautioned that these projects will not immediately resolve the country's classroom shortages.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Auditor-General flags N$792m unreconciled variance in state accounts

    The Auditor-General issued a qualified audit opinion on government financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, citing an unreconciled N$792.4 million variance in State Revenue Fund records, unauthorised spending by the defence ministry, and weaknesses in revenue accounting. The audit found that hundreds of millions in collected tax revenue was not allocated to correct categories and 14 offices, ministries and agencies underspent budgets by N$1.23 billion combined.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 12 October

  1. MEIYSAC unveils 2025–2030 strategic plan for classroom expansion

    The Ministry of Education plans to construct 148 permanent classrooms and 66 pre-primary classrooms across Namibia's 14 regions by 2027, with a further 25 schools planned across 10 regions. The ministry also aims to connect more than 300 schools to the internet and upgrade four vocational training centres into TVET colleges.

    12 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 8 October

  1. NUST intensifies efforts to resolve medical laboratory science crisis

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology is engaging affected students individually to address challenges in its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme, including concerns over accreditation, laboratory facilities, professional supervision, and limited capacity for work-integrated learning.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Namibian learners win silver, bronze at international science fair

    Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel won silver and bronze medals respectively at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, where young scientists from 11 countries showcased research and innovations from 28 September to 2 October 2026.

    7 October 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Education Ministry releases 2027 school and hostel calendars

    Namibia's Ministry of Education has published the 2027 calendar for government schools, with learners beginning on 13 January and concluding on 8 December, covering 197 school days across three terms. The ministry also released a separate 2027 hostel calendar with 270 days scheduled for hostel learners.

    7 October 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 4 October

  1. Namibia to host 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup matches

    Namibia will host the opening Super Series of the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, with three qualifying matches on 2, 4, and 6 October, followed by three Group Stage matches beginning 8 October. The event is expected to boost Namibia's international profile, tourism, and interest in cricket among young people.

    4 October 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Second Hardap arts festival celebrates regional cultural heritage

    The second Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival opened in Mariental under the theme "Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Creativity, Inspiring our Future," bringing together cultural groups, traditional performers, and community members. Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for greater investment in Namibia's creative industries, arts education, and cultural heritage to support young people and economic development.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 1 October

  1. Namibia lacks over 1,900 pre-primary classrooms, official reports

    The Deputy Minister of Education reports an estimated shortage of 1,977 pre-primary classrooms in the country, affecting school readiness and early-grade repetition, particularly in rural areas and indigenous minority communities.

    1 October 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Over 1,760 teachers recruited in past four years

    At least 1,760 teachers were recruited over the past four years while classrooms increased from 1,550 to 1,836. An Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian raised concerns that new Jolly Phonics and PE4Life programmes in Junior Primary are adding pressure to teachers in overcrowded classes, but the Education Minister said the programmes were incorporated into the curriculum rather than added on top.

    1 October 2026 · New Era →

  3. Education Ministry confirms 2026 exam readiness to Parliament

    The Ministry of Education told the National Assembly that preparations for the 2026 national examinations are complete, with venues, markers, invigilators and question papers in place, and results expected by the second week of January 2027. All 14 education directorates have made provisions for holiday classes, teachers have undergone professional development, and more than 2,000 markers will be involved in the examination process.

    1 October 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Ministry pre-launches 2026 National Readathon programme

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has pre-launched the 2026 National Readathon at M.H. Greeff Primary School in Windhoek under the theme "Read Namibia: Embrace Technology Within the Education Sector." The week-long reading programme will take place in the Zambezi Region from 21 to 25 September 2026 at the Katima Sports Complex and will include activities such as reading aloud, spelling bees, educational games, reading competitions and picture storytelling.

    15 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 9 September

  1. NFA proposes sports levy; ministry says new law needed

    The Namibia Football Association has proposed amending the Sports Act to establish a monthly N$10 sports levy (N$5 each from employees and employers) to fund sport sustainably, but the Ministry of Education says new legislation may be required to introduce such a mechanism.

    9 September 2026 · New Era →

Monday 31 August

  1. National research commission battles funding and staffing gaps

    The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology faces significant institutional and financial challenges, including heavy reliance on external funding, insufficient staffing, and limited specialist research capacity, according to a National Council Standing Committee report. The NCRST is considering a research and development levy and incentives for companies to establish R&D capacity as potential solutions.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 21 August

  1. President receives repatriated Namibian ancestral remains from South Africa

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the repatriation of 84 ancestral remains, casts, and cultural artefacts from Iziko Museum in South Africa, along with the mortal remains of two liberation struggle figures, Festus Nehale and Simon Petrus Niilenge, as a significant milestone in restoring dignity and identity. The ceremony took place at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

    21 August 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Namibia launches N$17.5m creative sector plan for 470 jobs

    Namibia's government has formalised a N$17.5 million Local Content Plan expected to create approximately 470 direct jobs and support film production across all 14 regions through a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture and information and communication technology. The funding will finance a national soap opera, two limited television series, 14 regional short films, and a film production equipment access programme, as part of a broader N$50 million government allocation to creative industries programmes.

    18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 15 August

  1. Namibia launches digital learning platform for rural youth

    The Namibia Learning Passport, launched by the ministry of education in partnership with UNICEF, provides digital and offline access to learning materials for young people in rural and underserved communities to develop skills relevant to education, employment and entrepreneurship.

    15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 13 August

  1. Flood-affected Zambezi school elevation project costs N$268.7m

    The Central Procurement Board says it will cost N$268.7 million to elevate the grounds of the flood-affected Muzii Combined School in the Zambezi region over three years. The contract was awarded to Art Construction CC and will include elevated platforms, embankment protection, hostel blocks, and other school infrastructure to improve resilience and safety.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Education ministry warns funding crisis threatens school reforms

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has warned that inadequate funding and ageing infrastructure threaten schools and free tertiary education goals.

    6 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Education ministry exempted NTA from competitive bidding for hostel food

    The education ministry sought an exemption from finance to appoint the Namibia Training Authority to supply food to government school hostels outside open competitive bidding, citing the need to reduce litigation risks and ensure food security after prolonged court cases. The interim arrangement is budgeted at just over N$90 million per month for six months pending resolution of a Supreme Court case.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia declares end of cholera outbreak after 28 days

    Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao announced that Namibia has met international criteria for ending the cholera outbreak after both Grootfontein and Opuwo health districts completed more than 28 days without a confirmed case. The outbreak, declared on 27 November 2025, resulted in 82 laboratory-confirmed cases out of 282 suspected cases and one death in Opuwo district.

    15 July 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Namibia could raise sports investment to N$68.5 million

    An additional N$50 million earmarked in the national budget could lift Namibia's sports investment to N$68.5 million this year, with funding directed towards elite athlete development, international competition preparation, and the Podium Performance Programme targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

    7 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. Keetmanshoop to host Namibia's 2026 International Youth Day

    Namibia will hold the 2026 International Youth Day national commemorations in Keetmanshoop on 12 August 2026, with the theme "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships." The annual UN-observed day recognises young people's contributions and addresses challenges including unemployment, education access, health and civic participation.

    7 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 2 July

  1. President visits China space tracking station in Namibia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the China Tracking, Telemetry and Command Station, where she was briefed on its space operations capabilities and highlighted Namibia's commitment to advancing scientific training and international technological cooperation.

    2 July 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Ministry warns public against unregistered higher education institutions

    The Ministry of Education has urged Namibians to avoid enrolling in unregistered or unaccredited higher education institutions, warning that their qualifications are not recognised for employment or further studies. The ministry stressed that all institutions must be registered with the National Council for Higher Education or the Namibia Training Authority, and all programmes must be accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority.

    2 July 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 28 June

  1. Namibia launches school sports development programme for youth

    Namibia has launched the School Sports for Development (SS4D) Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture in collaboration with UNICEF Namibia, to use sport as a tool for promoting education, social inclusion and life skills development among learners. Vice President Lucia Witbooi said the initiative represents a national commitment to developing young Namibians with the skills, values and resilience needed to contribute to the country's future.

    28 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Ministry urges public to report unregistered higher education institutions

    The Ministry of Education has urged the public to report higher education institutions operating without registration or accreditation, warning that qualifications from unregistered and unaccredited institutions may not be accepted by employers or other learning institutions. The ministry advises prospective students to verify a college or university's registration with the NCHE or NTA before enrolling and to check that their course is accredited with the NQA before making payments.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute