Kavango east: Parents at Gabriel Muhuli Combined School in the Kavango East Region have decided to keep their children at home until the school's dangerous infrastructure is fixed.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the protest, which has kept learners from attending school on Monday and Tuesday, follows a storm on Sunday that destroyed several tent classrooms. The parents' demands include the repair of damaged classrooms, fixing exposed electrical wiring, and resolving ongoing water and sanitation issues.

"Our decision has also been influenced by an earlier incident this year in which three children were injured when two water tanks fell on them," the group said. During a meeting with school staff and Shambyu Circuit Education Inspector Blasius Haita on Tuesday, parents voiced their frustration, highlighting several key issues such as a classroom block with a missing roof, numerous exposed electrical wires throughout the premises, overfilled and poorly maintained pit latrines, and a bat-infested classroom that requires daily cleaning due to droppings.

Mauritius Ndumba, a community member with four siblings at the school, stated that multiple letters sent to the Ministry of Education about the conditions have gone unanswered. He emphasised that parents are united in their decision to keep their children home until the school is safe. In response, Inspector Blasius Haita acknowledged the parents' concerns and assured them that he would relay their demands to the relevant authorities.