Auas Primary School principal Toini Nauyoma is under fire for allegedly attempting to remove Khoekhoegowab as a language subject from the school’s curriculum. The move has sparked outrage, as the language is spoken by the majority of learners at the Katutura-based school.

Khoekhoegowab, predominantly spoken by the Damara Nama community, has long been a key part of the school’s identity. Located in the Dolam area, Auas Primary serves a learner population that is 90% Damara Nama, with most learners speaking the language daily.

When approached by NBC News, Nauyoma declined to comment, stating she is an employee of the Ministry of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture and cannot speak to the media.

The Ministry’s Executive Director Edda Bohn confirmed an investigation is underway. "We are looking into the situation, and it is premature to speak to the media at this stage," Bohn said.

Social activist Shaun Gariseb has strongly criticized the alleged decision, calling it "cultural erasure and bullying against a minority group." He has given the ministry one week to resolve the issue and protect the learners' cultural rights.