Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has directed all educational institutions to observe specific protocols during the national mourning period following the passing of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
According to a directive issued by executive director Sanet Steenkamp, schools, libraries, and resource centres were instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast and hold moments of silence at official gatherings.
Schools must also display Nujoma’s portrait at main entrances, accompanied by a condolence book and candles where feasible.
“As we mourn this great loss, we honour his unwavering and remarkable contribution to the education system,” Steenkamp stated.
Schools are required to organise special remembrance assemblies where teachers and learners can share reflections, poems, and historical insights on Nujoma’s role in Namibia’s development. Regional offices, in collaboration with regional councils, will also hold commemoration services.
While essential activities such as school visits, learner placements, disciplinary hearings, and staff interviews will continue, all celebratory events and sports gatherings have been postponed until further notice. Routine school-level sports practices are still permitted.
The Windhoek Observer understands that some schools have already cancelled their athletics and Valentine’s Day celebration gatherings that were scheduled for this week in response to the directives.
Regional education directors have been tasked with ensuring compliance while allowing for adjustments where necessary.
The ministry has also directed schools to conduct cleaning campaigns and beautification efforts, including planting trees and shrubs. Schools are encouraged to document their tributes through videos and pictures, which will be shared with the public.
Private events are not prohibited, but the public is encouraged to conduct them in a manner that aligns with the mourning period.
Elias Tuhafeni Jafet, principal of Oshimwaku Combined School in the Ohangwena region, said they have received the directive and will review it before making further decisions.
“We will review it tomorrow and will give you a better response,” he said.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has also aided the guidelines for public events during the mourning period.
