The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture announced that an investigation into the alleged leak of a Grade 11 History examination paper in the Erongo Region was concluded and no paper rewrite is necessary.
This followed after reports surfaced that some Grade 11 learners in the Erongo Region apparently wrote a History examination paper (Papers 1 and 2) with questions similar to those used in an August 2026 regional mock examination. Similar concerns were also raised regarding schools in the Khomas and Zambezi regions.
In a media statement, issued by the Executive Director (ED) of Education, Innovation, Arts, and Culture, Mbumba Erastus Haitengela yesterday, the Ministry noted that their investigation established that the examination paper in question was not leaked in its entirety.
“However, it (investigation) confirmed that certain questions appearing in the national examination paper (written on 28 October 2026) had been compromised through their inclusion in a regional mock examination written by candidates in the Erongo Region during August 2026,” the statement reads.
As per Haitengela the investigation further established that the inclusion of these questions in the mock examination was attributed to the setter of the Grade 11 History paper1 breaching the established national examination procedures.
“Consequently, some candidates were exposed to these questions before sitting for the national examination,” the Executive Director explained.
The Ministry furthermore noted that the NSSCAS Grade 12 examination was not affected by this incident.
Considering the findings of the investigation, the Ministry confirmed that candidates will not be required to rewrite the NSSCO Grade 11 History paper 1, as the remaining uncompromised questions provide sufficient evidence of candidates’ knowledge, understanding and skills to support a fair and reliable assessment of their performance.
Allegations of alleged nepotism, favouritism and other irregularities in the appointment of examination personnel also surfaced, and according to Haitengela these allegations remain under investigation.
“The Ministry acknowledges the seriousness of the breach and the responsibility it carries to safeguard the credibility of Namibia’s national examinations. It remains committed to addressing all substantiated concerns, holding those responsible for wrongdoing accountable and strengthening the systems necessary to protect the interest of every candidate.
The trust of candidates, parents, teachers and the public is essential to the credibility of our education system,” Executive Director Haitengela concluded. Photo: Executive Director Mbumba Erastus Haitengela (contributed)
By Marshallino Beukes
