Governor Nathalia /Goagoses has expressed concern about Erongo’s poor academic performance after the region recorded an overall pass rate of just 33.7% in the 2025 academic year.

Addressing regional leaders during her State of the Region Address recently, /Goagoses described the results as disappointing and called for urgent intervention. “For the 2025 academic year, I am disappointed to report a dismal overall pass rate of 33.7%,” she said. The results place Erongo ninth nationally at Ordinary Level and eleventh nationally at Advanced Subsidiary Level.

/Goagoses said the performance decline has prompted the Regional Council to organise a Regional Education Introspection Conference aimed at identifying the causes of poor results and developing strategies for improvement. “We must aggressively restore the region to its former glory,” she said. Despite the disappointing academic performance, /Goagoses highlighted ongoing investment in education infrastructure.

Two new schools are currently under construction in Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement at a cost of approximately N$50 million. Once completed, the schools will increase the number of educational facilities serving learners in DRC and Matutura to five.

The project is intended to reduce overcrowding and improve access to education in rapidly growing urban communities. /Goagoses challenged all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, learners and education officials, to play their part in improving educational outcomes. “Every player must fulfil their role to improve academic performance,” she said.

Education remains one of the key sectors identified for improvement as the region seeks to strengthen human capital development and prepare young people for future employment opportunities.

By Sharlien Tjambari