Windhoek: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has reiterated its commitment to addressing the concerns of unemployed teacher graduates following recent petitions and engagements with the government.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the ministry in a media statement said it acknowledged receipt of a petition submitted on 08 July 2025, as well as the meeting between unemployed teacher representatives and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on 25 July 2025.

The ministry noted that since the first national demonstration on 03 June 2025, several formal meetings have been held with representatives of the graduates. Discussions focused on recruitment processes, interview procedures, learner-teacher ratios, and the creation of a verified database of unemployed graduates.

In her official response, Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp reaffirmed government’s recognition of these concerns and outlined a series of initiatives. Among them is the Decongestion Plan (2025-2027), which seeks to reduce overcrowding in schools and create additional teaching posts.

The transition of Early Childhood Development (ECD) functions to the ministry by 2027 and the establishment of a Teaching Profession Council to professionalise and strengthen the sector were also highlighted.

The statement further stressed that while the government respects the constitutional right of unemployed graduates to protest, it does not support actions such as camping at public facilities or government offices. The ministry emphasised that structured dialogue and lawful engagement remain the most constructive avenues to resolving the matter.

‘The ministry remains committed to ongoing dialogue with unemployed teacher graduates, working toward sustainable solutions and ensuring that teachers are provided with fair opportunities to contribute to Namibia’s education system,’ the statement said.

The ministry urged graduates to remain engaged in formal consultations as it continues implementing policies aimed at balancing learner-teacher needs with available resources.