Rudolf Gaiseb
The education ministry will take serious disciplinary action against staff members who accept bribes in exchange for learner placement.
Schools are set to commence next week, Monday, and the ministry’s Executive Director, Erastus Haitengela, in a statement this week, wrote, “Any staff member caught at schools, circuits, or regional offices soliciting or accepting gifts, money, or favours in this regard will face serious disciplinary action.”
“A staff member is guilty of misconduct if they accept or demand any commission, fee, or reward to which they are not entitled by virtue of their office,” he stated.
Reports of bribery in education have surfaced in the past, and the ministry discourages parents and guardians from offering bribes or favours to secure school placements.
The ministry’s urged supervisors to supervise his or her subordinates and take appropriate action in every case of breach of any of the provisions of the Public Service Act, the regulations or the staff rules.
A supervisor who fails to comply with the duty imposed by the Act shall be deemed to have been negligent in the performance of his or her duties.
Moreover, the Basic Education Act compels teachers to act in ethical manners in all dealings with learners and any staff members found engaging in these practices may face criminal charges related to the performance of their official duties.
Meanwhile, the ministry prohibits the payment of compulsory tuition and examination fees at any government school.
A learner may also not be refused admission on the grounds that their parent is unable to make a voluntary contribution to the school development fund.
In addition, Haitengela said no learner may be subjected to any screening tests to be admitted in a state school.
The maximum fee schools are allowed to charge is N$10 for an application form for administrative costs.
Admission fees are not allowed to secure a space for learners at schools.
“Education is a constitutional right as enshrined in Article 20(1) of the Namibian Constitution and affirmed by Section 6(1) of the Basic Education Act (Act No. 3 of 2020). The principles governing our state schools are rooted in inclusivity, equity, and non-discrimination.”
The ministry maintained that access to learning must be transparent and based solely on the approved admission procedures communicated by schools and regional education offices.
