Otjozondjupa records 789 school dropouts in 2025
The figures were revealed during the 2026 Regional Education Stakeholders’ Conference and Academic Year launch held last week, where education minister Sanet Steenkamp described the dropout rate as “deeply worrying” and called for urgent, coordinated action by schools, parents, traditional leaders and social services.
Officials reminded communities that the Namibian Constitution and the Basic Education Act of 2020 make it compulsory for children to remain in school until they complete basic education or reach the age of 16. Despite this legal protection, many learners continue to leave school due to poverty, teenage pregnancy, lack of parental support, long distances to schools, hostel challenges and behavioural issues.
Education leaders emphasised that schools must strengthen early warning systems to identify learners at risk of dropping out, while parents and hostel authorities were urged to closely monitor attendance and report any prolonged absenteeism. Community mobilisation, psychosocial support and stronger enforcement of attendance regulations were highlighted as key interventions to curb the trend.
“The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers and school leaders,” said Steenkamp.
Alongside the dropout crisis, authorities also raised concerns about the ongoing cholera outbreak in Grootfontein. By mid-January 2026, 99 suspected cases and 32 confirmed cases had been reported, although no deaths were recorded. The outbreak has been linked to water, sanitation and hygiene challenges in informal settlements.
Health protocols
Schools in affected areas have been urged to strictly implement WASH protocols, including regular handwashing, the use of treated or boiled water, safe food handling and the early referral of suspected cases to health facilities. Education and health officials warned that disease outbreaks further disrupt learning and increase absenteeism, particularly among vulnerable learners.
The ministry has decentralised teacher appointments and shortened advertising periods. It is therefore expected that principals, school boards, inspectors and HR practitioners ensure vacancies are filled expeditiously. Delays in filling teaching posts directly compromise service delivery and are unacceptable. Henceforth, the process of recruiting a teacher should not exceed 30 days.
Furthermore, Steenkamp encouraged parents, educators and communities to support vaccination efforts and reinforce hygiene practices to safeguard learners and the nation at large.
Steenkamp also stated that in 2025, government hostels in the region exceeded their intended capacity by 242 learners, and reminded schools to adhere strictly to hostel capacity guidelines as stipulated in Formal Education Circular No. 5 of 2021.
The ministry remains fully committed to supporting efforts at regional and school level aimed at the holistic development of every Namibian child. “When our schools succeed, the region succeeds, and when the region succeeds, the nation prospers,” said Steenkamp. - [email protected]
