Swakopmund: Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has called for the restoration of discipline, moral values, and quality teaching in classrooms, emphasizing that improved learning outcomes depend on collective responsibility. As the 2026 academic year gets underway, Steenkamp highlighted the need for teachers, parents, communities, and learners to collaborate in strengthening discipline and restoring standards in schools.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Steenkamp's remarks came during her visit to several schools in the Erongo Region on the first day of the new school year. The visit aimed to assess school openings and present the 2025 national examination results to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her first stop was Swakopmund Primary School, where she engaged with more than 1,400 learners, 49 teachers, and parents. She also visited Westside High School and Coastal High School in Swakopmund.

The minister emphasized the critical role of parental involvement in learner discipline and success. She noted that enhancing moral values in schools should be a priority and does not require additional financial resources. Steenkamp stated that restoring discipline in classrooms is a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of starting the academic year with focus and discipline to influence learner performance positively.

Addressing the issue of overcrowding in urban schools, particularly in the Erongo Region, Steenkamp acknowledged the challenge and mentioned the ministry's efforts to decongest schools in five regions, including Erongo. She pointed out that schools like Westside High, which serves about 1,300 learners, should ideally be split into separate primary and secondary institutions, though this will take time. The government hopes to secure increased capital development funding in 2026 to expand school infrastructure.