Steenkamp denies exam leak allegations

Executive director of the ministry of education, Sanet Steenkamp, has categorically denied allegations of leaked national examination papers, supposedly to children of senior ministerial staff members to boost their performance in last year's national examinations.This follows claims in a circulating message that some top-performing learners celebrated at a recent ceremony had access to the papers in advance due to their connection to senior ministry officials. Steenkamp dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing the rigorous protocols governing examinations.“The Ministry ensures national exams are conducted under strict rules. Question papers are printed and packed outside the country, delivered in tamper-proof envelopes directly to the regions,” she explained.She added that all Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA) staff must declare potential conflicts of interest. Examination audits specifically include scripts from candidates related to DNEA staff to maintain transparency.Cambridge International, the accrediting body, has confirmed that the 2024 national examinations adhered to established standards, ensuring credibility. “The Ministry sympathizes with the affected learners and regrets the damage caused by these false allegations,” Steenkamp stated.Rukonga Vision school allegationsThe circulating message also alleged corruption in admissions at Rukonga Vision School in Kavango East, claiming children of senior officials were enrolled despite the school’s mandate to serve underprivileged learners.Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka refuted these claims, urging those with evidence to come forward. “If a child is found to have been enrolled while not from an underprivileged background, that would constitute corruption,” she stated, adding that admissions are managed regionally without interference from ministry officials in Windhoek.She further clarified misconceptions about the allegations, noting: “For instance, claims about Mr. Gariseb being related to a top learner are false. The said learner is not related to any senior ministry official.”Acknowledging top performersSteenkamp confirmed that three of the top 20 candidates in national examinations are children of senior ministry officials but emphasized their achievements were independent and well-documented.According to Steenkamp, Mutisya Mutuku, son of Dr. Elizabeth Ndjendja (deputy director, DNEA), excelled with top marks in subjects like Computer Science (94%) and Mathematics (91%), maintaining a consistent academic record since primary school.Twins Twapewa and Twahafa Negumbo, daughters of Sara Negumbo (director of National Libraries and Archive Service), have excelled at Windhoek Gymnasium Private School since preschool, with Twahafa ranking seventh nationally in 2023 NSSCO exams.Jolisa Garises, who ranked first in NSSCO-Ordinary Level at Rukonga Vision School, achieved her success independently. Steenkamp clarified that Jolisa is not related to any ministry staff member as alleged.Rukonga’s admission policiesKavango East education director Christine Shilima reiterated the school’s strict adherence to income-related policies. “Parents must declare their income during admission. If discrepancies are found later, the child is removed from the program,” she explained.Admissions prioritize orphans, vulnerable children, and those from low-income families, ensuring the school’s mandate to serve disadvantaged learners is upheld.Call for accountabilityBoth Steenkamp and Nghipondoka emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency, urging the public to report genuine concerns with evidence. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the credibility of national examinations and ensuring fairness in educational opportunities.

Steenkamp denies exam leak allegations

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-20

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Steenkamp denies exam leak allegations

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-20

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