Stefanus Nashama
It is general knowledge that there are no private high schools established in Katutura, despite the area being home to many high school learners.
During the early morning hours, hundreds of high school learners attending private high schools are often seen hailing taxis or being driven to the upmarket suburbs of Windhoek of Cimbebasia, Eros Park, Olympia and Klein Windhoek.
Selma Itope, a teacher residing in Katutura, on Tuesday, told the Windhoek Observer that there is a need to establish private high schools in the capital’s most densely populated area.
Itope said she has observed long lines at the public high school as parents queue to ensure that their children will have a place in the next grade at school.
“It is important for those who are able to establish private high schools to ensure education for Namibian children, especially when we see parents at overcrowded government schools trying to find places in classes for their children,” she emphasized.
She is also concerned about the growing number of residents in Katutura as people are searching for better living conditions and access to education and health facilities in the city.
Itope believes that although private high schools may not be affordable for many parents in Katutura, establishing them would ensure that all children have access to education.
The country’s first minister of education, Nahas Angula said the issue raised questions about conducting business and the affordability of establishing private high schools in Katutura.
“It’s a business question. It doesn’t necessarily matter who the minister of education is or was,” he said.
Angula said no one is barred from establishing a private high school in Katutura.
He suggested individuals in the location may not have the means to construct private schools in their localities.
“If you go to other private high schools, you would find people from Katutura. They are there. Perhaps people in that area are not able to build such schools. Maybe private people are not interested in establishing private schools in Katutura. It is upon them and the business they want to do,” he said.
Angula added that there are also other areas in Windhoek without private high schools, such as Khomasdal.
“Do we have any private high school in Khomasdal apart from back then? I do not think so,” said Angula.
Harold Akwenye, the spokesperson of the City of Windhoek (CoW) said the council has not received a formal submission or application for land to establish a private high school in Katutura.
“Regarding the application for land to establish a private high school in Katutura, I can confirm that there have been no formal submissions or applications by private companies or individuals specifically requesting land for this purpose,” he explained.
Akwenye said CoW is dedicated to supporting the development of educational infrastructure in all communities, including Katutura.
“The municipality recognizes the importance of diverse educational opportunities and is open to discussing potential projects that could benefit the community and meet the demand expressed by parents in Katutura,” he said.
Akwenye encouraged interested parties to engage with the council to explore viable opportunities and partnerships that could facilitate the establishment of a private high school.
“As always, the municipality is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for educational development and ensuring that the needs of our communities are met,” he reiterated.
