Whereas Namibians from all walks of life have an opinion about the national examination results for the 2023 academic year that were released this week and rightly so, there is consensus that the results are a mixed bag.
There are hits and misses.
On the one hand, Namibians should be encouraged that some improvement has been recorded in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO), without being oblivious that the bigger picture informs us we still have a long way to go.
Announcing the NSSCO (Grade 11) and NSSCAS (Grade 12) results, education minister Anna Nghipondoka said for the NSSCO fulltime level, 11 970 learners or 29,4% obtained 25 points or more in five subjects, meeting minimum tertiary entry requirements or to proceed to Grade 12.
This, when juxtaposed with results of the previous academic year, shows an improvement of around 14.1%. While it may appear miniscule at face value, the numbers tell a different story altogether.
This 14.1% means 15.3% or 5 812 candidates more than the 2022 cohort made it to Grade 12 or met the tertiary education entry requirement. This is therefore commendable.
“At NSSCO fulltime level, 48.8% (19 854 candidates) obtained 20 points and above in at least five subjects and qualify for entry at institutions of higher learning for degree and diploma courses compared to 45.6% (17 349 candidates) who qualified in 2022. This is an improvement of 3.2%,” Nghipondoka said.
While this feat is laudable, it would be disingenuous for us to paint an all-glossy picture when 75% of the pupils who sat for exams last November do not qualify for Grade 12 or tertiary education.
Out of 40 682 pupils who sat for the examination, only 10 261 may proceed to Grade 12 at advanced subsidiary (AS) level or to tertiary institutions, with their NSSCO results, leaving behind 30 421 learners who failed to meet those requirements.
Looking at the results, one pitfall Namibians must avoid is playing the proverbial ‘blame-game’, where we go from pillar to post to shift blame on anything else but ourselves.
The education crisis we face is multifaceted. Indeed, a robust education system is not merely about examination results.
The crisis, albeit with positive signs of improvement, has deep roots. Policy experts, researchers and long-time observers of Namibia’s education system have consistently opined that the poor exam results indicate underlying structural issues that extend far beyond the orbit of individual student performance. It is not just about the classroom, desk, chair, learner, teacher, notebook, textbook and chalkboard.
From an observer’s perspective, the education crisis stems partly from poor school infrastructure, inadequate allocation of school resources following the massification of the education system [free education], the rollout of the new curriculum, lack of discipline among learners, lack commitment or professionalism displayed by some teachers and parents who are nowhere to be seen in their children’s education journey.
However, in this dark cloud, there is a silver lining - a glimmer of hope.
The recently announced results perfectly fit the narrative that the best solutions are found in times of crisis. It is in times like this that parents, learners, teachers and key stakeholders should hold hands to fix the fundamental issues rather than seeking to apportion blame on the next party.
This is a perfect opportunity for all stakeholders to tackle the structural problems holding the system back.
Therefore, the current crisis should not turn into a wasted opportunity. Namibia – collectively – must seize the opportunity and deliberate on structural and systemic forces that underlie underperformance.
Last year, a task team was assembled, composed of education ministry officials, stakeholders and education experts, to resolve challenges that impede the smooth sailing of the education delivery system.
We hope that soon, these deliberations and consequent recommendations will start bearing desirable results.
Another point that is encouraging is the political will and placement of education as a chief national priority, as evidenced by the perennial lion’s share budgetary allocations to the education ministry, higher education, training and innovation ministry as well as the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund and the two public universities, Nust and Unam.
In a year christened as ‘Year of Expectations’ by the First Citizen, we expect improved results in 2024.
First Afcon finals victory beckons
The Brave Warriors have arrived in Korhogo City, Ivory Coast, for their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) appearance, and the nation holds its breath in anticipation.
Korhogo will be their base for this year’s tournament as the team attempts to record their first-ever Afcon victory following a nine-match attempt in the previous three tournaments.
This is the first time the Brave Warriors have qualified for back-to-back Afcon tournaments, a testament to the team’s determination and progress in the world of African football.
However, beneath the excitement lies a narrative of challenges and compromises. The team’s preparation for this prestigious tournament has been far from ideal. They played less than half of the intended 11 preparatory matches. This shortfall in match practice raises concerns about the team’s readiness to face the formidable competition that lies ahead.
Despite failing to play the envisaged number of preparatory games before the tournament, the team had a two-week training camp in Ghana where it managed to produce exciting results in their last friendly international against Ghana’s Black Stars, whom they held to a nil-all draw in Kumasi on Monday night.
Previously, the Brave Warriors’ locally based NPFL players had a practice match against Ghana’s former Premier League champions, Legon Cities FC, and that match ended in a one-all draw.
The national team last played competitive matches in November, when they lost 1-0 to Afcon-bound Equatorial Guinea before registering a 2-0 victory over Sao Tome e Principe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
They also played a goalless draw against Group E opponents South Africa in a friendly match in September.
To say the preparations were ideal would be folly.
However, despite the less-than-ideal preparations, the Brave Warriors have demonstrated resilience and unity, characteristics that have defined their journey in the world of football. Their ability to overcome obstacles and compete at the continental level reflects the dedication and spirit of Namibian football. Namibia just emerged from a dark place, football-wise. Five years of non-activity and back-to-back qualification to the Afcon, as well as Chan participation and a Cosafa Cup final appearance, tell of the resilience of the Brave Warriors.
These are feats that deserve recognition and celebration.
The government of the Republic of Namibia played a critical role in the Brave Warriors’ Afcon journey. In a commendable display of support for the team, they made over N$14 million available to ensure the team’s participation in the tournament.
Mobile Telecommunications Company and other corporate entities also chipped in with more than N$2 million.
We have it on good authority that the team concluded the issue of the players’ allowances and participation fees before departing for their training camp in Ghana.
The Brave Warriors carry the hopes and dreams of a nation with them in Ivory Coast, and such backing ensures that they do so with the necessary resources and support.
The Brave Warriors are pitted against Mali, Tunisia, and South Africa in Group E, presenting a challenging yet exciting group. These teams are powerhouses in African football, each with unique strengths and strategies.
Mali has physically intimidating and skilled players. Tunisia is a team with a rich history in African football, bringing technical finesse and a strong defensive game that could test Namibia’s offensive capabilities. South Africa, a fellow Southern African team, adds an extra layer of rivalry and familiarity to the group stage. The Brave Warriors must employ a disciplined and strategic approach to overcome these teams.
The Brave Warriors come into the tournament as the least favourite team to win the tournament (bookmakers gave them a 0.5% chance of winning the tournament). This may play well in motivating the Brave Warriors as a dark horse.
Finally, as Namibians, let us stand united in our support for the Brave Warriors. Let us celebrate their achievements and the strides they have made in African football as they begin their quest for that first-ever victory at the Afcon finals when they face Tunisia on Tuesday evening.
GO Brave Warriors, GO!