Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 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, youth, sports, arts and culture policy, currently implementing school sports development programmes and managing higher education regulation.

2026-01-072026-07-23

What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026
  2. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has launched regional education outreach programme on tertiary education

    Source

    THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has launched a regional education outreach programme aimed at providing learners with information on tertiary education opportunities, admission requirements and available government support.

    Ministry takes tertiary education outreach to regions
  3. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture is conducting outreach with Namibia Qualifications Authority, NUST, UNAM, NTA, IUM, and Welwitschia University

    Source

    The ministry is conducting the outreach together with several institutions, including the Namibia Qualifications Authority, the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the University of Namibia, the Namibia Training Authority, the International University of Management and Welwitschia University.

    Ministry takes tertiary education outreach to regions
  4. New Era

    MEIYSAC is preparing to receive the ECD policy mandate from government

    Source

    Nationwide consultations are underway to revise Namibia's Early Childhood Development (ECD) policy as government prepares to transfer its mandate to the education ministry (MEIYSAC).

    ECD policy under microscope
  5. Informanté

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture will conclude an MoU with the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports of the Kingdom of Spain on sport and physical education

    Source

    She revealed that one of the MoUs will be concluded between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports of the Kingdom of Spain in the field of sport and physical education.

    Cabinet approves education and research MoUs with European partners
  6. New Era

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture signed agreement with Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on scholarship cooperation

    Source

    Cabinet approved the signing of an agreement between Namibia's Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Cabinet Briefs
  7. Informanté

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has commenced construction of 28 Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities across 28 constituencies

    Source

    THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has commenced the construction of 28 Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities across 28 constituencies in all 14 regions of the country.

    Government commences construction of 28 constituency sports facilities nationwide
  8. New Era

    MEIYSAC will retain national policy oversight and provide technical advisory support

    Source

    While the regions will manage the implementation process, the ministry will retain national policy oversight and provide technical advisory support, co-ordination and future budgeting.

    Government launches construction of 28 constituency sports facilities
  9. February 2026
  10. New Era

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture announced N$83.6 billion Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2026/27 to 2028/29

    Source

    This increase comes as part of the broader N$83.6 billion Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) announced yesterday for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), which covers the 2026/27 to 2028/29 financial years.

    N$70.6m boost for sport, youth, and national service … Sport community lauds N$750m allocation
  11. The Namibian

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture says it is awaiting technical review from CAF before finalising preparations for Independence Stadium construction

    Source

    THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture says it is awaiting a technical review from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before finalising preparations for the construction of the Independence Stadium.

    Namibia awaits CAF for construction of Independence Stadium
  12. The Namibian

    Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has 508 capital projects underway in all 14 regions

    Source

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has 508 capital projects underway in all 14 regions.

    Over 500 education ministry capital projects underway
Society

Education ministry exempted NTA from competitive bidding for hostel food

The News

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

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

Sunday 21 June

  1. Violence erupts at National Youth Council assembly in Swakopmund

    Nine delegates were injured during violent disruptions at the National Youth Council General Assembly in Swakopmund on Saturday, prompting the Electoral Committee to resign and the Ministry of Education to postpone proceedings citing safety and order concerns.

    21 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. National Youth Council assembly postponed after Saturday violence

    The Ministry of Education indefinitely postponed the National Youth Council general assembly in Swakopmund following an outbreak of violence on Saturday that injured nine delegates. The Electoral Committee has resigned citing safety concerns, and the ministry has received petitions from affiliates raising compliance and verification issues; Youth Minister Steenkamp says the interim board will address outstanding matters and communicate next steps.

    21 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Minister Steenkamp appoints Boxing and Wrestling Control Board

    The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has officially appointed the members of the Boxing and Wrestling Control Board for a three-year term, mandated to oversee development, promotion and regulation of boxing and wrestling in Namibia. The Board is chaired by Ronald Patrick Kurtz and includes Dr Naftal Natanael, Anita Tjombe Gawanas, Monalisa Molebugi and Kaura Tjimuine.

    21 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Real Madrid Foundation football clinic opens in Oshakati

    The 2026 Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic has opened in Oshakati, providing primary school learners with football training and life-skills development through a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, the Namibia School Sport Union, Cadilu Fishing Pty Ltd and the Real Madrid Foundation to promote youth empowerment, discipline and talent development.

    21 June 2026 · Informanté

Friday 19 June

  1. Education Ministry clarifies 2027 school admissions not first-come basis

    Namibia's Ministry of Education has urged parents not to camp outside schools to secure admission for 2027, clarifying that the admission process is not based on first-come, first-served. The ministry stressed that no parent is required to sleep outside school gates, and that admissions are guided by the Constitution, the Education Act 2020, and Circular 3 of 2026.

    19 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 18 June

  1. Nedbank Citi Dash targets 5,000 runners in 2026

    Organisers of the 2026 Nedbank Citi Dash aim to attract 5,000 participants when the running event returns to Windhoek on 5 and 6 September at Vegkop Stadium. The event has grown from a city race into a platform promoting health, fitness and community engagement, with participation rising to over 3,000 in recent years.

    18 June 2026 · New Era

Saturday 6 June

  1. NSFAF clearing outstanding student payments weekly from June

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund is processing institutional invoices since April 2026 for tuition and non-tuition support, with advance payments already made to institutions. Non-tuition fee payments will now be processed weekly starting the second week of June 2026.

    6 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 4 June

  1. Nanso, NSFAF reach deadlock over student fund delays

    The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) walked out of talks with the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) over delayed disbursement of tuition and non-tuition funds, rejecting proposed timelines and calling for a protest at Government Park on Friday after the fund failed to meet previous commitments to release funds in April.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 2 June

  1. 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

Friday 29 May

  1. Ministry hosts EU funding session for universities and researchers

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and UNAM hosted a hybrid information session on European Union funding opportunities through Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes for higher education institutions. The session highlighted how these programmes support research collaboration, innovation, international partnerships, and institutional capacity building aligned with national priorities.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 21 May

  1. Youth centres to become multi-purpose hubs for skills

    Twamanguluka youth organisation and the ministry of youth have launched a national Youth Centre Revitalisation Project to transform youth centres into integrated hubs offering education, healthcare, enterprise development, sports, technology and employment pathways. Pilot programmes will begin in Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Gobabis.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Vice President praises inclusive vocational education programme milestone

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi commended Namibia's inclusive education efforts at a graduation ceremony where 696 learners with special educational needs and disabilities received Certificates in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills, the programme's second cohort since its 2019 introduction. The NQA-accredited programme prepares graduates for vocational training, entrepreneurship, employment, and further education opportunities.

    20 May 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 19 May

  1. CBPVS graduation highlights shift toward inclusive vocational training

    The Ministry of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills (CBPVS), a two-year programme designed to strengthen inclusive education and equip learners with special educational needs and disabilities with foundational vocational and life skills while bridging skills gaps and responding to labour market demands.

    19 May 2026 · Informanté

Monday 11 May

  1. Education ministry seeks to cancel costly empty building lease

    The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Government plans N$5 million sports facility for Rehoboth

    Government will build a N$5 million sports facility in Rehoboth with a gravel athletics track, ablution facilities, and a pavilion seating approximately 350 spectators as part of the Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities programme allocating N$10 million per region for 28 facilities nationwide. Residents have raised concerns about the location near an oxidation pond and cemetery, and questioned why a new facility is being pursued while an older stadium remains incomplete.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

Friday 10 April

  1. Government funds Collective Singers' international tour to Canada

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has sponsored N$400,000 to support the Namibian choir Collective Singers for a singing tour in Canada from 11 to 25 April, representing the country alongside choirs from around the world. Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti said the financial support reflects the government's commitment to investing in talent and enabling Namibian artists to perform on global stages.

    10 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Independence Stadium feasibility study approved by CAF

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the feasibility study for upgrading Windhoek's Independence Stadium has been approved following consultations with the Confederation of African Football, with Namibia now awaiting a detailed report outlining the next steps to bring it to international standards. The government has also identified 121 community sports facility sites nationwide and decentralised construction responsibility to regional governors.

    10 April 2026 · New Era

Thursday 9 April

  1. Independence Stadium feasibility study approved by CAF officials

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the feasibility study for upgrading Windhoek's Independence Stadium has been approved following consultations with Confederation of African Football inspectors, with Namibia awaiting a detailed CAF report on next steps to meet international standards. The government has also identified 121 community sports facility sites nationwide, with designs completed for 28 sites and construction already underway in several regions.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 27 March

  1. Oshikoto school closed since 2018 due to low enrolment

    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

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Government allocates N$140m for regional sports infrastructure

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has distributed N$10 million to each of Namibia's 14 regions for construction of basic, multi-purpose community sports facilities as part of a phased national sports infrastructure development programme. The first phase, funded with N$140 million, will support construction of 28 facilities nationwide, with implementation decentralised to Regional Governors.

    24 March 2026 · New Era

Monday 23 March

  1. Musicians demand fairness, support in revived NAMAs

    Namibian artists have called for fair prize structures, better professional support, and financial literacy training as the government consults on reviving the Namibia Annual Music Awards, which were discontinued in 2020. The Arts Directorate is also advancing an updated copyright law to protect musicians and other creatives in the digital age.

    23 March 2026 · New Era

Friday 20 March

  1. Khomas hosts cultural festival ahead of Independence Day

    Windhoek will host the Khomas Uhuru march and Namfest@36, featuring a 1,000-person parade, innovation talent shows, and music performances by local artists, to celebrate national unity before the official Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

    20 March 2026 · New Era

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