NAMIBIA De Beers Holdings (Namdeb) on Friday handed over the high school section of its private school at Oranjemund to the government.
The donation is part of the mining company’s town transformation process, which started in 2015 and valued at approximately N$17 million.
The high school has 264 pupils and 14 teachers who will now be on government’s payroll.
The high school formed part of the company’s Oranjemund Private School (OPS), which includes a primary school built in the 1950s.
The school initially served only as a primary school for children of Namdeb workers with the exit phase at Grade 7.
The pupils would branch out to Windhoek or Cape Town for high school. It was later extended to a high school in 2009, introducing Grade 8 to 12.
Following the transfer of the school to the government, the name of the secondary school will be registered as !Garibams Secondary School.
The new state school will cater for pupils from OPS and those from the only pulic school at the town, Ambrosius Amutenya Combined School.
"The decision for Namdeb to donate part of OPS infruastructure is guided by our support for the provision of quality education for all in Namibia and the option for a combined secondary school was the most suitable alternative for the company and the community," said Namdeb CEO Riaan Burger during the hand over of the school to the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.
The infrastructure donated includes 25 classrooms, an auditorium and a 24 seater bus.
Deputy education minister Anna Nghipondoka accepted the donation on behalf of the government.
"The ministry of education pledges to ensure that the infrastructure and equipment will be utilised by the teachers, learners and parents for quality educational outcomes," said Nghipondoka.
!Garibams Secondary School is the second educational infrastructure that Namdeb has allowed for usage by the education ministry.
In 2014, the company converted some of its buildings into classrooms and opened up what is now known as Ambrosius Amutenya Combined School.
The infrastructure still belongs to Namdeb. The company is a 50/50 joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers Group.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
