Rundu: About 100 learners were reportedly sent home from Joy Mungungu Senior Primary School in Rundu's Tumweneni informal settlement during registration last week after their parents failed to pay contributions to the School Development Fund (SDF). The move sparked protests by parents at the school on Monday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, one of the affected parents, Maria Kayana, said her child was among those sent home during registration. She expressed her inability to pay the N.dollars 210 SDF contribution at the moment and requested more time to make the payment. However, she was informed that learners whose parents could afford to pay would be prioritized for enrollment.

Another parent, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that all five of his children were sent home due to his inability to pay the required fees. This situation has highlighted the financial burden faced by some families in the community.

Kavango East Director of Education, Christine Shilima, explained that the school board had decided to raise funds through SDF fees to build temporary classrooms. This was aimed at alleviating overcrowding caused by high enrollment. She confirmed that learners were turned away at registration points but mentioned that she has intervened, and learners are expected to return to school on Tuesday.

Shilima further defended the school board's urgency in constructing additional classrooms, citing safety concerns for learners attending afternoon classes. She noted that the area is unsafe, with many students facing harassment by criminals while traveling home.