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

Sanet Steenkamp

Also known as: minister Sanet Steenkamp · Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp · Minister Steenkamp · Dr. Sanet L. Steenkamp · Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp · Education minister Sanet Steenkamp · Sport minister Sanet Steenkamp · Dr Steenkamp · Dr Sanet Steenkamp

Education minister who has urged learners' confidence in exams, called for university-industry research collaboration, and emphasized teacher recruitment and professional development.

2022-05-132026-10-22
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News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. September 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the target forms part of the government's push to professionalise sport and create sustainable careers

    Source

    “Education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the target forms part of the government's push to professionalise sport and create sustainable careers in the sector.”

    YOUNG OBSERVER | Government targets 3.5% employment contribution from sport

  3. Windhoek Observer

    Steenkamp proposed measures such as athlete development grants, sport venture capital, facility investment funds and tax incentives

    Source

    “The minister also proposed measures such as athlete development grants, sport venture capital, facility investment funds and tax incentives to attract private investment into sport.”

    YOUNG OBSERVER | Government targets 3.5% employment contribution from sport

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Sanet Steenkamp said recruitment and training figures alone should no longer be used to measure success of the NYS

    Source

    “Education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp said recruitment and training figures alone should no longer be used to measure the success of the NYS.”

    YOUNG OBSERVER | NYS urged to prove impact beyond training

  5. New Era

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp called for long-running Sport Act review to be prioritised and concluded

    Source

    “Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has called for the long-running review of Namibia's Sport Act and sport policies to be prioritised and concluded.”

    Steenkamp calls for urgent Sport Act reform

  6. New Era

    Steenkamp called for operationalisation of the Sport Development Fund to support infrastructure and employment creation

    Source

    “Steenkamp also called for the operationalisation of the Sport Development Fund to support infrastructure and employment creation.”

    Steenkamp calls for urgent Sport Act reform

  7. The Namibian

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp said her ministry allocated N$327 022 000 towards sport development and promotion

    Source

    “Steenkamp said her ministry allocated N$327 022 000 towards the development and promotion of sport.”

    Govt targets 3.5% sport employment creation

  8. The Namibian

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp announced government exploring compulsory national service

    Source

    “His comments come after an announcement by minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp on Monday that the government is exploring compulsory national service, particularly for school-leavers.”

    Swapo youth league backs compulsory national youth service

  9. New Era

    Steenkamp said the board must focus on strategic direction, oversight and accountability

    Source

    “Speaking at the inauguration of the new board yesterday, Steenkamp said the board must focus on strategic direction, oversight and accountability.”

    Steenkamp issues new NYS board stern warning

  10. The Namibian

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the government is exploring the possibility of compulsory national service for young Namibians

    Source

    “The government is exploring the possibility of introducing compulsory national service for young Namibians, particularly those leaving school, a proposal that South Africa has also considered Education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp said this on Monday during the inauguration of the new National Youth Service (NYS) board at the NYS headquarters in Windhoek.”

    Government exploring compulsory national service

  11. The Namibian

    Steenkamp cautioned that any move towards compulsory national service would require consultation, policy and legislative processes

    Source

    “She said the proposal was receiving increasing national attention, but cautioned that any move towards compulsory national service would require consultation, as well as policy and legislative processes.”

    Government exploring compulsory national service
Society

Private students may face tuition gap under government funding model

The News

Education minister Sanet Steenkamp told parliament that under the government's proposed subsidised tertiary education funding model for private institutions, the government would pay a predetermined amount towards course costs while parents would cover the difference. The minister said the government is proposing the arrangement to the treasury, President, and Cabinet, but did not confirm final approval.

12 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Today

  1. Private students may face tuition gap under government funding model

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp told parliament that under the government's proposed subsidised tertiary education funding model for private institutions, the government would pay a predetermined amount towards course costs while parents would cover the difference. The minister said the government is proposing the arrangement to the treasury, President, and Cabinet, but did not confirm final approval.

    12 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

  1. Kavango East climate centre aims to teach youth agricultural skills

    Young people in Kavango East will gain practical agricultural skills at the newly inaugurated Linus Shashipapo Climate Change Action Centre, where they can learn horticulture, sustainable production and climate-smart technologies alongside employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. Education officials urge pupils not to define future by exam results

    Namibian education officials have urged pupils not to let "disappointing" examination results define their future, warning that academic setbacks are not the end of their educational journey. The call comes amid reported cases of pupils dying by suicide after receiving their examination results, including a Grade 12 pupil at St George's Diocesan School in January.

    20 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia and Angola sign sports and culture cooperation agreements

    Namibia's Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Sports Development and a Protocol of Cooperation on Arts and Culture with Angola during the Inaugural Session of the Namibia-Angola Binational Commission. The agreements establish frameworks for joint programmes, exchanges, capacity building, and the shared care of cross-border monuments and cultural heritage.

    20 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 16 October

  1. Education minister encourages learners ahead of exams

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has issued a message of encouragement to Namibian learners sitting NSSCO examinations (which began 12 October) and NSSCAS examinations (beginning 19 October), urging them to trust their preparation, remain confident and focused, and not let fear or others' performance distract them.

    16 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 15 October

  1. President flags off 12 athletes for Dakar Youth Olympics

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah handed over the national flag to Team Namibia's 12 athletes competing in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (31 October–13 November), urging them to represent the country with pride and discipline in seven sporting codes: athletics, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, boxing, cycling, swimming and triathlon.

    15 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Education minister calls for university-industry research collaboration

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has called for closer cooperation between universities and industry to turn student research into businesses, practical solutions, and employment opportunities. She said research should address national problems such as food production, water shortages, healthcare, and energy, rather than remain confined to academic reports.

    15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. 47 percent of TVET graduates found employment in 2024

    Only 47% of vocational education and training graduates found employment in industry in 2024, with the education minister acknowledging challenges in the job market for qualified graduates.

    14 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 9 October

  1. ESA astronaut calls Namibia to join global space sector

    European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer urged Namibia to identify contributions to the global space sector rather than wait to become space-faring, highlighting the country's desert environment, geological expertise, astronomy facilities, and young scientists as assets for international space programmes. Namibia's government is developing space sector legislation to foster innovation, education, and job creation.

    9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 8 October

  1. NUST medical laboratory students petition minister over deregistration

    More than 120 Namibia University of Science and Technology medical laboratory science students petitioned education minister Sanet Steenkamp for written answers about deregistration, requesting permission to complete examinations, access to academic records, and clarity on credit recognition if they transfer to other institutions. NUST said its 2025 intake of 150 students exceeded available training capacity.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. LPM demands government roadmap to resolve NYC leadership crisis

    The Landless People's Movement youth wing has called for urgent government action to resolve the National Youth Council's leadership crisis, which began after its June general assembly ended in chaos. The party is backing calls for the education minister to provide a public update on the council's status and a clear, time-bound plan to restore governance structures and legitimate leadership.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. National Assembly resumes fourth session with multiple policy updates

    The National Assembly resumed its fourth session of the eighth Parliament on Tuesday, with updates on medical laboratory students receiving psychosocial support and alternative study options through NUST and NSFAF, discussion of judicial reforms including a proposed Constitutional Court, plans for South African experts to visit Namibia to discuss reopening livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and the Speaker raising concerns about a growing backlog of parliamentary questions.

    8 October 2026 · New Era →

  4. NUST engages medical lab science students on academic pathways

    Namibia University of Science and Technology is addressing challenges in its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme by engaging affected students individually on academic pathways, financial support, and practical training opportunities. The programme has faced concerns over accreditation, laboratory facilities, professional supervision, and capacity for Work-Integrated Learning required for professional registration.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. 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 →

Tuesday 6 October

  1. Government targets qualified teacher for every learner by 2030

    Namibia's education minister has committed to ensuring every learner is taught by a qualified teacher by 2030, acknowledging current shortages of specialised educators and difficult working conditions. The country currently has 36,336 teachers responsible for more than 913,000 learners across 2,081 schools.

    6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 5 October

  1. Namibia marks World Teachers' Day, highlights profession support

    Namibia joined countries worldwide in recognising World Teachers' Day, with Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp calling for continued investment in teachers' professional development, dignity and well-being. The 2024 theme marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on the status of teachers, with Namibia currently employing 36,336 teachers teaching more than 913,000 learners.

    5 October 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Minister hails teachers as heartbeat of education system

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp marked World Teachers' Day by praising Namibia's 36,336 teachers who teach over 913,000 learners in 2,081 schools. She noted the teaching force has grown by over 5,000 teachers since 2019, with more than 9 in 10 primary and secondary teachers now qualified.

    5 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 1 October

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

  3. NUST admits 150 medical lab students, strains practical training capacity

    The education minister acknowledged administrative oversight in NUST's 2025 admission of 150 students to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme, the largest intake since 2008, which exceeded available practical training capacity. Of the 150 students, 50 have been selected for placement based on available capacity, while 55 cannot currently proceed to practical placement due to capacity constraints.

    1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 28 September

  1. 2024 survey finds 65% of graduates employed within four years

    A National Council for Higher Education survey of graduates from 2019–2021 cohorts at five Namibian institutions found that 65% secured employment within two to four years, with 61% employed and 4% self-employed, while qualification level significantly affects employment prospects and earnings.

    28 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Education minister urges greater parental role in learners' success

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged parents to take a more active role in their children's education, saying stronger cooperation between families, schools, communities and government is essential. Steenkamp made the remarks at the official national launch of the National Organisation of Parents in Education (NAOPE) in Windhoek, describing parental involvement as a key pillar of education rather than optional.

    28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Steenkamp inaugurates National Youth Service Board

    The Minister of Education has officially inaugurated the new Board of the National Youth Service and urged its members to assess whether the 2005 legislation governing the service remains fit for purpose given changing national circumstances, economy, labour market, and young people's expectations.

    22 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Education Minister Signals Consultation on Compulsory National Service

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp says there is a growing conversation around introducing compulsory national service for young Namibians leaving school, a recurring policy debate that was a priority for former president Sam Nujoma. The article notes that while the idea is being reconsidered amid youth unemployment concerns, any programme must avoid militarisation and protect civil liberties.

    20 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

  1. Government targets 3.5% employment share from sport sector

    The Namibian government aims for sport to contribute 3.5% to employment under the Sixth National Development Plan, up from 1% in the previous plan, as part of a push to professionalise the sector and create sustainable careers for athletes, coaches, administrators and others.

    18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. 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 →

  3. Sport Act under review since 2017 needs urgent completion

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has called for Namibia's long-running Sport Act review—underway since 2017—to be prioritised and concluded, saying the country needs a legislative framework fit for modern sport that addresses gaps in stakeholder roles, funding, commercialisation and policy alignment.

    18 September 2026 · New Era →

  4. Government targets 3.5% sport employment under sixth development plan

    The Namibian government has set a target of 3.5% sport contribution to the employment sector under the sixth National Development Plan, with the education and sport minister noting the previous 2% target under the fifth plan was not yet fully realised. The ministry allocated N$327 022 000 towards sport development and promotion.

    18 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. 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 →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Education minister warns NYS board on governance boundaries

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has warned the newly appointed National Youth Service board to maintain clear boundaries between governance and management, focusing on strategic direction and oversight while allowing management to execute its mandate efficiently.

    15 September 2026 · New Era →

Sanet Steenkamp — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute