Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet L. Steenkamp introduced Vice President Lucia Witbooi at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new fence and hostel at Suiderlig Senior Secondary School in Keetmanshoop, ||Karas Region. The event underscores government commitment to educational infrastructure amid regional priorities.
Suiderlig Senior Secondary School ranked 7th in AS-level and 13th in Grade 11 exams in the ||Karas Region last year, highlighting its potential despite recent challenges. Hon. Usko Nghaamwa pledged significant incentives to boost performance, including N$50,000 for the top learner, N$25,000 for second place, N$18,000 for the best teacher, N$8,000 for the second-best teacher, and N$2,000 for the parent of the best-behaved learner, starting fully in 2026. For this year, N$10,000 each goes to the top AS and Grade 11 learners, with funds carried over.
The ||Kharas Region, where Keetmanshoop hosts nearly 60% of learners, received over N$9 million in the 2025/2026 financial year for facility upgrades, funding new administrative blocks in Noordoewer, Lüderitz, and Chief Hendrik Tseib Primary School, plus renovations at !Garibeb Secondary School. The Ministry emphasizes hostels for equity, especially in remote areas, calling for private sector and community partnerships. Steenkamp reaffirmed collaboration with the ||Karas Regional Council to match infrastructure with demand.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi, a former Suiderlig learner and ||Karas native, was praised for her liberation struggle contributions, public service, and dedication to education and community upliftment. Appointed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, she embodies hands-on leadership and patriotism. Steenkamp invited her to deliver the keynote address, celebrating her as a model of service to Namibian children.
