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Namibian school boards reminded: no compulsory fees allowed at registration

Kavango East education director Christine Shilima says school boards must exercise their functions as outlined in section 50(1) of the Basic Education Act, and ensure that free education is a reality for Namibian pupils.

Shilima made these remarks while addressing school board chairpersons, school principals and circuit inspectors of the Rundu and Shambyu circuits on Thursday.

“[According to] section 50(1) (a) and (g), school boards are [required] to promote the best interests of the school and strive to ensure its development through the provision of inclusive quality education for all pupils,” Shilima said.

Shilima said they are authorised to administer and control the school finances, property and infrastructure, including school hostels.

Shilima further said, as per section 69, school boards must open and maintain one banking account at any banking institution registered in terms of the laws governing banking institutions.

“These are some of your functions where I want to draw your attention, and urge you to explain to the parents when they ask about school finances,” Shilima said.

Furthermore, Shilima reminded stakeholders that section 67 of the act prohibits the payment of compulsory tuition, examination fees and any other related fees at any state school. According to the act, no pupil may be deprived, victimised, denied access to reports and transfer certificates, or excluded from cultural, sports or social activities because of non-payment. However, she added that voluntary parental contributions are allowed.

“Free education does not mean the parents cannot do fundraising activities to supplement the resources supplied by the state,” Shilima noted.

Christine Shilima

Shilima emphasised that demanding payment at registration is not allowed and should not happen at any state school.
“During 2024, my office received complaints from parents on fee payment at registration.

I went to [the media] to inform the community and the school principals, but over the different social media [platforms] complaints were still continuing,” Shilima said. Attendees were directed to ensure that no state schools require payment when pupils are registered.

Shilima stated classes should resume on Monday, with no registration taking place in the morning.

Parents and guardians registering their children should be attended to as from 14h00, she said.

“I have the full confidence in school boards to collaborate with the principals and work as a team in the best interest of the Namibian pupils,” Shilima said.

Thomas Kozza, principal of Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School at Rundu, said the school has fully implemented the free registration process, excluding hostel fees as mandated.

“I briefed the school management on Friday morning,” Kozza said. He said currently, the hostel fee is the only payment required.

Lorraine Kruse, Rundu Secondary School principal, said registrations at the school are progressing smoothly.

“We are registering with or without money since yesterday.

There are parents who paid a minimum amount of money willingly, and some paid in kind as in previous years”, Kruse added.

Kruse also appealed to the public to visit the school to get first-hand information rather than circulating false information.

“We did not send back pupils or parents since registration commenced. We will still register on Monday from 14h00 daily,” she said.

“All my teachers are ready and we are not affected by the new implementation of free registration,” Kruse added.

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