SASF applauds Namibia for introducing free higher education

The South African Students Federation (SASF) has welcomed Namibia’s decision to introduce free tertiary education at all state institutions, calling it a powerful reminder that victory is certain.

Namibia’s newly elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, recently announced that her government will fully fund tertiary education as part of its efforts to tackle youth unemployment and expand access to higher learning.

Nandi-Ndaitwah says as a nation, they have a moral imperative to educate the Namibian child.

“Through universal access to education policy, the Namibian government has been providing free primary and secondary education, while tertiary education is already significantly subsidised.”

“I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, tertiary education will become 100% subsidised, that means no registration fees and no tuition fees.”

“We’ve heard your cry, which is, Fees have fallen now, for you my children, the youth, this is now a golden opportunity afforded to you.”

SASF President, Keamogetswe Masike, applauded the Namibian government for prioritising the future of young people and setting an example for the SADC region.

Masike says South Africa could take a leaf out of the book of its south-western neighbour, as the struggle for free education continues in the country.

He has once again reiterated calls for the scrapping of the commodified education system, which has over the years seen the birth of the #FeesMustFall movement.

“We believe that education is a fundamental right and not a privilege for those who can afford it, the children of the rich and those that own the minerals and resources of this country,”

Masike also reflected on the #FeesMustFall movement, saying it has allowed student activism to thrive in the country.

“It is important for us to continue upholding the values and what the objectives that the #FeesMustFall movement sought to achieve.”

Namibia became the first country in Southern Africa to offer Free University Education. We are proud products of the University system that shaped us. Congratulations once again President NNN. Now let Free University Education be realized across every public university in SADC !! pic.twitter.com/1MRPYHyDjP

— Joseph Kalimbwe (@joseph_kalimbwe) April 25, 2025

She’s scratching where it’s not itching.😭

Free Education has never been our Problem. NSFAF has done that since 1995, that’s why the streets are flooded with unemployed graduates.

The real work should be to help every Namibian household to at least have 3 people employed. pic.twitter.com/LA0S5mmUhl

— mOkapendi (@mOkapendi) April 25, 2025

I see many average people responding to the ‘100% subsidized’ tertiary education with questions of who will employ the people if many get degrees. An educated community drive innovation and economic diversificationWith tertiary education fully subsidized, more Namibians would ➡️

— Gerson Nakakuwa (@SureBright94103) April 25, 2025

If we have to think about it, 80% of the Namibian tertiary education was already free reason being 80% of students at state owned institutions have loans from NAFAF, which is a government institution so it is literally government funds being sent from one institution to another.

— NDINAELAGO (@Oye_Visto) April 24, 2025

FEES HAVE FALLEN FOR ALL PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES IN NAMIBIA. VIVA MEE NETUMBO

— Imi🍫 (@Imioly) April 24, 2025

Namibia introducing free Education for all tertiary institutions at a time when in Zimbabwe lecturers are paid peanuts, Education is unaffordable, State Institutions in bad condition, Accommodation Crisis. Shows lack of GVT commitment towards Education.##SaveOurEducation !!! pic.twitter.com/MYHKmliJnQ

— Tapiwa Maphosa (@Boykatape) April 25, 2025

Namibia has made history as the first country in Southern Africa to offer free university education—a bold and commendable step forward.

— SokoAnalyst (@SokoAnalyst) April 25, 2025