Education ministry short of N$13.4 million to pay markers’ allowance

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture says it has a shortfall of N$13.4 million to pay examination markers’ daily subsistence tax allowance (DSA). The total required stands at N$28.4 million and the ministry only has N$15 million available due to a DSA increase. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp announced this in a ministerial statement read by her deputy, Dino Ballotti, in the National Assembly on Thursday. She was giving a comprehensive update on the ministry’s readiness for the administration of the 2025 National Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) examinations, related assessments, and operational matters. The exams commenced on 14 October and will continue until 19 November. Despite this shortfall, the minister assured that the ministry is currently addressing the matter to ensure all 2 097 markers whose DSA’s are affected are settled. “The increased DSA rate from N$570 to N$970 per day, though necessary, has resulted in a significant funding shortfall. “The ministry is addressing this shortfall to prevent disruption to the marking process and to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all appointed markers,” she said. Steenkamp said marking will start from 24 October until 13 Dec 2025, excluding 25, 26 and 27 November due to the regional council and local authority elections. The minister, however, said marking will resume on 28 November. In total, 1 278 markers and 20 subjects were affected during this period, she said. “Various marking venues have been secured, however. The lease of these venues must be extended due to the closure of the marking venues for the elections,” she said. Steenkamp assured that preparations for the 2025 NSSC national examinations are largely on track. The release of results is projected for 25 January.