UDF promises free education at all levels

United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson Mabasen Narib says the party will offer free education at all levels if elected in government.

Narib said this yesterday in an interview with The Namibian, stating that Namibians need to attain the most from pre-primary up to doctorate levels.

“UDF’s philosophy is rooted in a social democracy system, which seeks to address inequality by implementing a system where the state will own at least 50% in key means of production,” he said.

Narib said a critical sector such as education should not be monetised.

“We want a fully industrialised country and education is at the centre stage to make this dream a reality. What good is it to bring in new industries if the jobs created have to be given to foreign nationals, due to the fact that Namibians might not have well-educated people in those sectors?” he said.

Narib said his party will increase the tax the state currently earns from mining companies and the fishing industry to ensure that all Namibians have equal opportunity to access quality education.

“These new gains will be directed towards funding the operations of the universities so that they will not charge tuition and registration fees,” he said.

Narib highlighted the party’s intention to restructure education so that aligns with market needs.

Social justice activist Nafimane Hamukoshi says providing free education at all levels would be a monumental task.

“It requires careful consideration of various factors, including financial feasibility, infrastructure, the quality of the education being offered and long-term sustainability,” she says.

Hamukoshi says the idea is noble and it has the potential to benefit the country’s population.

“This would undoubtedly have numerous benefits for our nation. However, I sense there should be a cost benefit analysis that needs to be conducted before any commitments are made,” she says.

Social justice advocate Rinaani Musutua says free education at all levels in Namibia is doable if the country’s resources are well managed.

“We have enough money to invest in our social sectors, all that needs to be done is to make sure there is equal distribution. The Namibian population is manageable with the vast resources this country has,” she says.

The Constitution directs the government to provide free primary education, however, families have to pay fees for uniforms, stationery, books and hostels.