Parents’ Contribution of Cleaning Materials to Schools “Must Remain Voluntary”

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp

Following recent media reports on stationery lists distributed by schools, the Ministry of education commented that stationery items must be provided by schools.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp she maintains that, despite the serious challenges schools face, they are responsible for providing basic stationery, including writing materials and paper, and that parents should not be pressured to buy unnecessary items. According to deputy executive director, Edda Bohn, schools already received the 2025/ 2026 grant funding, intended for the 2026 academic year. Bohn also tackled the trend of some schools withholding admission or report cards over unpaid fees, noting that schools should end this practice. She further explained that, while schools may request contributions for cleaning materials and toilet paper, such contributions must remain voluntary. A picture of the stationery list of a Swakopmund primary school which was circulated in the media and on social media displayed that not only stationery, but also cleaning products such as Pine gel, Domestos, and Handy Andy make part of the list.

By Marshallino Beukes