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Allegations of exam favouritism baseless – education ministry

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed allegations of favouritism in the recently concluded national examinations as baseless and damaging to the pupils concerned.

Executive director Sanet Steenkamp says the implicated pupils have consistently excelled academically.

She further says three of the top 20 candidates, who are children of senior ministry staff, earned their positions through merit.

Steenkamp clarified that Mutisiya Mutuku, son of Elizabeth Ndjendja, has been an outstanding student since primary school.

“He has received top awards at school in computer science 94%, English first language 72%, mathematics 91% and physics 81%. This earned him first position in advanced subsidiary level, with 84.5% on average during the mock exams at the school in 2024.”

Similarly, twins Twapewa and Twahafa Negumbo, daughters of Sara Negumbo, have demonstrated academic excellence since preschool at Windhoek Gymnasium. Twahafa ranked seventh nationally in the 2023 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) level examinations, while Twapewa placed 34th.

“They have been receiving trophies and monetary awards from the school, as well as from the corporate sector, for their top achievements ever since Grade 3.”

Steenkamp also addressed claims regarding the top ordinary level performer, Jolisa Garises, affirming no ties to ministry staff.
She emphasised that strict measures prevent exam paper leaks.

“The question papers are printed and packaged outside the country. This consignment is delivered in sealed tamper-proof envelopes for direct dispatch to the regions,” she says.

The ministry pledged to cooperate with any investigation into the allegations, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“These claims undermine the integrity of the pupils and the examination process,” Steenkamp says, urging public confidence in the fairness and transparency of Namibia’s national examination system.

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