MEIYSAC highlights of the Year 2025

By Sylvia Hashondali

The Ministry of Education, Information, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has undergone a remarkable transformative year. Earlier in 2025, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a major restructuring of several Government Offices, Ministries, and Agencies, which saw the establishment of MEIYSAC and the appointment of Dr. Sanet Steenkamp as its Minister.

In its first year of transition, the Ministry achieved significant milestones across education, youth empowerment, sports development, arts, and culture. Below are some of the key success stories that shaped MEIYSAC’s 2025:

Podium Performance Programme launched to boost athlete development

In collaboration with the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), MEIYSAC launched the Namibia Podium Performance Programme (PPP), a groundbreaking initiative under the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5. The programme is designed to strengthen high-performance athlete development and enhance Namibia’s preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and future international competitions.

Rollout of Pre-Primary Learning Kits

MEIYSAC rolled out 1,571 Pre-Primary Kits to classrooms across all regions, an investment of N$3 million dedicated to improving early childhood learning. The initiative, supported by UNICEF through an existing MoU with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), aims to promote inclusive, play-based learning and ensure equitable access to quality early learning materials nationwide.

Minister Steenkamp achieves PhD milestone

Education Minister Dr. Sanet Steenkamp obtained her PhD in Education from Rhodes University, South Africa. Her thesis, “Expanding the Leadership of Learning Support Teachers in Resource Schools: A Formative Intervention Study in Namibia,” focused on empowering teachers who support learners with special needs, an achievement that reinforces her commitment to educational excellence and inclusive learning.

Teaching Profession Bill: Nationwide Consultations

The Ministry conducted nationwide public consultations on the Teaching Profession Bill between 15 September and 17 October. The proposed bill seeks to establish the Teaching Profession Council of Namibia, which will oversee the mandatory registration and licensing of teachers, continuous professional development, regulation of training institutions, and disciplinary processes where required. The consultations marked an important step in professionalising the teaching sector and strengthening accountability within the education system.

Some of MEIYSAC’s achievements in 2025 underscore its commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, advancing educational quality, and promoting holistic development across its sectors. The initiatives undertaken during this period reflect a deliberate and strategic effort to enhance service delivery, broaden opportunities for learners and youth, and support national development priorities.

Sources:

 Informante

 New Era

 NBC Digital News