Over 2,600 nursing graduates fail national assessment in Namibia since last year
via The Namibian4 min read
More than 2,600 nursing and midwifery graduates in Namibia have failed the national examination required to practice since last year, raising concerns about the quality of nursing training. Statistics presented by the Health Professions Councils of Namibia HPCNA to parliament's standing committee on education show that out of 5,427 graduates evaluated, 2,683 failed, including those who did not attend the examination. For nurse and midwife practitioner graduates, only 600 out of 1,523 passed, resulting in a 39% pass rate. Among staff nurse graduates, 1,984 out of 3,904 passed, a 51% pass rate. Member of parliament Lilian Lutuhezi noted various factors contributing to failure, such as incomplete courses or non-attendance. Committee chairperson Marlyn Mbakera questioned the quality of graduates and asked the HPCNA to provide institutional statistics to identify areas for improvement. The HPCNA reported that the June 2025 evaluation session had the highest number of failures, with staff nurse graduates struggling with ethos and professional practice. The Namibia Nurses Union Nanu secretary general Junias Shilunga expressed concern over the failure rate, advocating for a single national curriculum and fair examination setting methods. He also highlighted issues like high examination fees and travel costs for graduates. The assessment became compulsory in January 2025 to ensure only competent graduates enter the profession. Labour expert Herbert Jauch called for an urgent review of
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Incoming Anti-Corruption Commission ACC director general Bryan Eiseb has been advised by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa to lead the institution "like a wolf and not a donkey." This counsel was given during the National Assembly's debate on Eiseb's nomination, which parliament approved without objection. Eiseb is set to succeed Paulus Noa, who served for nearly 20 years. Sankwasa warned Eiseb that he is inheriting an institution with a damaged reputation due to unresolved corruption cases and public distrust. He urged Eiseb to focus on corruption involving gratification, avoid duplicating police work, and not allow the ACC to be weaponised for political or tribal agendas. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare acknowledged the need for greater financial support for the ACC and stressed parliament's role in holding the commission accountable. Swapo member of parliament Tobie Aupindi and Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Armas Amukoto also supported Eiseb's appointment, emphasizing the need for the ACC to regain independence and apply the law impartially.
The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia CIF has called for the withdrawal of the Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger, citing threats to competition and local contractors. This follows industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse's decision to overturn the Namibia Competition Commission's NaCC ruling that had blocked the transaction. Whale Rock, owner of Cheetah Cement, applied to acquire all shares of Schwenk Namibia, which owns Ohorongo Cement, in February. The CIF argues the approved merger could increase cement prices, jeopardize supply security, harm local contractors and small and medium enterprises SMEs, and negatively impact the broader construction value chain. While the minister's decision, published in Government Gazette notice No 229 of 2026, allows the merger with conditions to prevent job losses, preserve local production, and limit market dominance, CIF chief executive B盲rbel Kirchner states these conditions do not address key concerns such as price monitoring, fair market access, and protection against discriminatory pricing. The federation seeks to have the approval withdrawn and implementation suspended for broader stakeholder consultation and a comprehensive assessment. NaCC spokesperson Dina //Gowases confirmed the minister acted within his legal mandate, rejecting claims of conflict. The Otavi Cement Group also opposes the merger, arguing it would significantly increase market concentration and create a dominant market position detrimental to
Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo, 20, is set to make his debut for South Africa against Wales in a Nations Championship third-round match in Durban this Saturday. Moyo, a member of last year's world under-20 champion team, is one of four new caps named by head coach Rassie Erasmus. The other debutants include winger Jaco Williams, tighthead prop Carlu Sadie from Bordeaux-Begles, and Montpellier lock Ruben van Heerden. Sadie and Van Heerden previously started, and Moyo came off the bench, in a non-cap exhibition match against the Barbarians last month. These four are part of 10 changes to the starting lineup that defeated Scotland 42-28 in Pretoria. Recalled players include centre Damian de Allende, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, scrum-half Cobus Reinach, No. 8 Jasper Wiese, hooker Malcolm Marx, and loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp. Bayonne scrum-half Herschel Jantjies, a 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, is among the eight replacements. Erasmus stated his aim to build depth for the 2027 World Cup, ensuring every player gets a chance to impress this season. South Africa currently leads the southern hemisphere standings in the new competition, level on 10 points with New Zealand but ahead on points difference.