Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti explained that free basic education covers tuition, teacher salaries, school infrastructure, prescribed learning materials and operational support through school grants, including funding for stationery.

However, parents may still incur costs for uniforms, transport and additional learning supplies.

Ballotti was responding to IPC MP Bertha Nghifikwa, who questioned whether Namibia has a formal policy guaranteeing free basic education and whether measures are being taken to ensure that parents are not compelled to pay for essential educational requirements that should be covered by the government.

"The Basic Education Act 2020 provides the legal framework for protecting learners' access to education. School Development Fund contributions are voluntary and must not be imposed as a condition for admission, attendance or participation in school activities as well. Low learners should be disadvantaged because of a parent that cannot afford or declines to make a voluntary contribution. The ministry will continue to strengthen awareness among school boards and management, reinforce compliance with the law, and address reported cases where parents are subject to compulsory or inappropriate demands for payments. Our responsibility is to ensure that the protections provided for in the law are respected in practice."

Ballotti added that the Ministry would strengthen engagement with school boards, principals and regional education officials, investigate reports of compulsory contributions, and reinforce monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the law.