Windhoek: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has issued a stern warning against bribery and unethical practices in learner admissions as state schools prepare to open for the 2026 academic year in the second week of January.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the warning is contained in a media statement issued by Mbumba Erastus Haitengela, the ministry’s Executive Director, in which he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and fairness in the admission of learners to public schools.

In the statement, Haitengela instructed all education staff at schools, circuit offices, and regional directorates to refrain from soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or favours in exchange for learner placement. He emphasised that such actions constitute serious misconduct under the Public Service Act of 1995 and the Public Service Staff Rules, which govern discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct in the public service.

The Executive Director further reminded supervisors of their legal obligation to monitor subordinates and to act against any violations of the law. Failure to do so, the ministry noted, may amount to negligence. In addition, Section 114 of the Basic Education Act, 2020 requires teachers to uphold ethical standards in all interactions with learners.

‘Any staff member found engaging in these practices will face serious disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal charges,’ Haitengela warned.

Parents and guardians were also cautioned against offering bribes or favours to secure school placements. The ministry reiterated that such actions undermine the principles of fairness and legality governing the education system.

Haitengela further clarified that learner admissions must be conducted without screening tests. He referred to Circular Form Ed 05/2025, which allows schools to charge a small administrative fee not exceeding N.dollars 10 for application forms, stressing that such a fee may not be used to secure a place.

The ministry underscored that education is a constitutional right under Article 20 of the Namibian Constitution and must be accessible through transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory processes.

The public has been urged to report any irregularities or unlawful demands through regional education offices to safeguard the integrity of Namibia’s education system.