Free Secondary Education for All Namibia set 2016 Deadline

Namibia National Institute for Education Development

Government has tasked the Minister of Education Dr David Namwandi to formulate a plan that will see secondary education being offered for free at all state schools. Free secondary education is expected to start by 2016 .

This will come hot on the heels of government having started to offer free primary education in 2013 in accordance with Article 20 of the Namibian Constitution.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba revealed this during the inauguration of the Mutual Keetmanshoop Mall yesterday morning.

"Last Tuesday the minister of education was directed by Cabinet to ensure that he prepares for this and next year so that we have secondary education for free by 2016. It may seem far, but this will lift the burden on the shoulders of the parents. No one should have the excuse that they could not send their children to school because there was no money. Let the children go to school," he announced in a populist move that will be commended by all and sundry.

He also urged the local community to make use of the newly established University of Namibia (Unam) campus.

"We want the children of the south under the guidance of their parents to study harder - finish your secondary schooling," urged the president.

He singled out the Managing Director of Old Mutual Africa, Johannes !Gawaxab, who according to the president became a pioneer in leadership because he went to school.

"Johannes you are really a patriot. I admire you. If Johannes did not go to school then we would not have the tallest building in Windhoek and not this mall," Pohamba praised the MD.

The president further took a swipe at foreign owned companies who only collect the money of Namibians without uplifting the communities.

"I am looking at those who allowed money to be flown out of the country, is it not shameful? I know some would say he does not respect investors. I respect investors not those who go out of the country to spend people's money."

He also appealed to commercial banks to invest in infrastructure development.

"Commercial banks take money out to other places. I am happy with First National Bank, they are now putting up a big building in front of the Kalahari Sands, but what about the others?" he asked.

Pohamba further commended Old Mutual Namibia for heeding the government's call for financial institutions and other businesses to invest in Namibia's economy.

"Johannes, not only I but the Swapo government appreciates what you have done," he said.

Over 100 jobs were created during the construction of the Mutual Keetmanshoop Mall that was built at a cost of N$92 million.

Another 150 new permanent jobs are expected to be created once the facility becomes fully operational. Once he leaves office at the end of his two terms in 2015, Pohamba will leave behind a rich legacy that includes the Mass Housing Programme and free primary education, among other schemes.