Schools to close for Regional and Local Elections

Dr. Sanet Steenkamp (Photo via X)

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has announced that schools will be closed from 25 to 27 November to allow students and staff to participate in the upcoming Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections. Year-end closure dates remain unchanged, with schools scheduled to close on 5 December and all staff required to work until 9 December for the issuance of report cards, Minister Dr. Sanet Steenkamp confirmed.

In consultation with the Prime Minister and regional directors, the ministry decided that while schools will close for voting, hostels will remain open to avoid inconveniencing parents. Teachers and hostel supervisors will alternate duties to ensure supervision during this period.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also declared Wednesday, 26 November 2025, a public holiday to allow citizens to vote. Namibians will cast their ballots in 120 constituencies for the Regional Council elections and in 59 local authorities across all 14 regions for the Local Authorities elections, according to Government Gazette No. 8789.