Private school pushes back against ministry directive on Grade 12 IEB learners
A directive from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, requiring private schools to register Grade 12 learners with recognised examination bodies urgently, has sparked concern among some independent schools. One institution has warned that the move could cause unnecessary anxiety among learners.
The ministry earlier this month issued an “urgent directive” to private schools offering the Independent Examinations Board International Secondary Certificate (IEB-ISC), instructing them to register their final-year learners with a recognised examining body.
In a letter dated 9 March 2026, executive director Mbumba Haitengela said the IEB-ISC is not recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) nor accredited within the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) framework.
“As you are aware, the IEB-International Secondary Certificate (IEB-ISC) is not recognized by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) nor accredited within the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) framework,” Haitengela wrote.
He warned that learners who complete their schooling with the qualification could face serious obstacles when applying for tertiary education. “Consequently, learners who complete their schooling with the IEB-ISC face serious risks of being denied admission to Namibian institutions of higher learning and other universities internationally,” the letter states.
The ministry said the directive is issued in line with the Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020) and the Basic Education Regulations (2023), particularly Regulation 62(1)(c). “All private schools offering the IEB ISC curriculum must urgently register their Grade 12 learners either with the Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA) or with another recognised and accredited examining body to ensure that learners sit for an exit qualification that is legally recognised,” Haitengela said.
He added that failure to comply could have long-term consequences for learners’ academic and professional prospects. “Failure to register these learners with a recognised examining body will compromise their eligibility for admission to tertiary institutions and have lasting negative consequences on their future,” the letter warns.
However, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) has criticised the directive, arguing that changing examination frameworks during the final year of schooling is impractical.
School chief executive officer Alida Hill said the directive could place significant pressure on learners already preparing for their final examinations. “It is unfortunate that Grade 12 learners are put through such discomfort to be expected to change curriculum in their Grade 12 year, because anyone who knows education would know that this is not possible,” Hill said.
Hill also expressed concern about how the matter has been communicated publicly, saying it has created uncertainty among learners. “It is also unfortunate that the newspaper article went out without warning, because it creates a lot of anxiety and uncertainty amongst our learner community,” she said.
Despite the disagreement, Hill said the school remains open to discussions with the ministry to find a solution. “We are more than willing to engage with the Ministry to resolve this amicably. We have attempted to do so many times,” she said.
In a separate letter to parents dated 13 March 2026, Hill said the school and other institutions offering the IEB-ISC curriculum through the Namibia Private Schools Organisation (NAPSO) are consulting legal advisers and preparing for possible action.
“I, Kobus, and the rest of the NAPSO IEB-ISC schools are constantly in touch with our legal team, and are prepared for legal action if necessary,” Hill said.
She also urged parents not to be alarmed by speculation circulating online. “We would like to ask you not to pay too much attention to social media statements and comments by others (non-IEB schools) or to unfounded stories that are doing the rounds,” she wrote.
According to Hill, schools offering the curriculum have been preparing for possible developments around the issue. “We have been preparing for a long time and have a contingency plan in place if necessary.”
The ministry has asked schools to confirm compliance with the directive in writing as soon as possible, as discussions around the recognition of the IEB-ISC qualification continue.
