“No Money, No Registration”: Parents Decry Alleged Violation of Free Education Policy in Kavango East
By TUW
Parents in Kavango East have raised serious concerns over what they describe as unlawful demands for school fees during the ongoing learner registration period, despite Namibia’s policy on free basic education.
Several parents told The Updated World that schools in the region are requiring them to pay so-called “development” fees before their children can be registered for the 2026 academic year. According to affected parents, the minimum amount being demanded is around N$150 per learner, while some schools are allegedly charging more than N$300 per child.
The complaints come in direct contradiction to prior warnings issued by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture ahead of the registration period. The ministry had explicitly instructed teachers, principals, circuit inspectors and school management not to turn away or deny registration to any learner on the basis of unpaid school fees.
In a media statement, the ministry reiterated that compulsory payments at state schools are prohibited by law. Citing Section 67(1) of the Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020), the ministry stated that “the payment of compulsory tuition and examination fees at any state school is prohibited.” The provision forms the legal foundation of Namibia’s free basic education policy, which is intended to ensure equal access to education for all children, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.
Despite this clear legal position, parents in Kavango East say some schools are openly defying the directive. According to their accounts, school officials have told them that failure to pay the set amount would result in their children not being registered, effectively barring them from attending school.
“I was told to come back with the money first before my child can be put on the list,” said one parent, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation. “We know education is free, but they are forcing us to pay.”
Other parents expressed frustration and anxiety, noting that many families in the region are struggling financially and cannot afford the additional costs. They warned that such practices undermine the government’s commitment to free education and risk excluding vulnerable children from the schooling system.
Education activists and community members have called on the Ministry of Education to urgently intervene and investigate the allegations. They argue that while voluntary contributions may be allowed under certain circumstances, any form of coercion or denial of registration is illegal and unacceptable.
The ministry has previously emphasised that while schools may encourage voluntary contributions through properly approved school boards, no learner may be disadvantaged or denied access to education due to non-payment. Parents are encouraged to report any violations through official channels so that corrective action can be taken.
As the registration period continues, parents in Kavango East are hoping for swift enforcement of the law to ensure that every child is registered and allowed to attend school without financial barriers, in line with Namibia’s free education policy.
