Tsumeb: The Oshikoto Directorate of Education plans to establish a new primary school by the 2027 academic year to alleviate severe overcrowding in Tsumeb, provided suitable land can be secured. The region's Director of Education, Hilma Nuunyango-George, presented the proposal at the Tsumeb Municipality Council chambers on Monday, highlighting a critical shortage of infrastructure driven by rapid population growth.
According to Namibia Press Agency, regional data shows that learner numbers increased from 9,564 in 2024 to 10,148 in 2025, and 10,343 learners by 2026, which has placed increasing pressure on existing school facilities. Some classrooms operate at a teacher-to-learner ratio of 1:40. 'Tsumeb is experiencing increasing demand for primary and junior secondary school spaces, limited infrastructure capacity in existing schools, and long distances for some learners to access schooling, especially learners from areas such as Kuvukiland who travel long distances to schools like Ondundu Primary School. These challenges require long-term infrastructure solutions,' the director said.
Nuunyango-George further noted that Oshikoto continues to experience growing learner enrolment, causing overcrowding in existing schools. Increased urban migration to Tsumeb is also a contributing factor, resulting in pressure on available school infrastructure.
She maintained that establishing additional schools will help improve access to education, reduce overcrowding, and enhance teaching and learning environments. She said the new primary school infrastructure would include 20-25 classrooms, pre-primary classrooms, a playground, library, laboratories, staffroom and offices, ablution facilities, and an administration block.
Nuunyango-George also proposed the development of a junior secondary school that would include up to 30 classrooms, six hostels, teacher accommodation, and science and computer laboratories. Tsumeb currently has 14 primary and secondary schools, including two private schools, serving over 10,000 learners.