WINDHOEK – President Nangolo Mbumba stated on Wednesday that it is not feasible for the government to provide study grants to all students through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), citing insufficient funding. The remarks were made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including its president, Hendrik Goabeb.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the suggestion to convert NSFAF loans into grants was brought up by UDF spokesperson Mabasen Narib, who expressed concerns about the financial burden on young professionals already struggling with loan repayments amidst economic difficulties. Narib advocated for measures to alleviate the debt burden on young Namibians, arguing that the current system forces graduates into prolonged periods of debt repayment.

President Mbumba responded by emphasizing the necessity for employed beneficiaries to repay their loans, which in turn would enable the fund to support future students. He acknowledged the challenges of implementing a fully socialist approach to education funding, highlighting the limitations of available resources. “We need to be realistic about our financial capabilities and the implications of shifting to a grant system, which could still fail to meet the needs of all students,” Mbumba explained.

NSFAF continues to operate on a loan basis, providing financial assistance to eligible Namibian students at recognized institutions of higher learning, with the ongoing debate highlighting the complex balance between educational support and fiscal sustainability.