“Blackface scandal: WAP and DHPS take disciplinary action

2025-11-06

Svenja Hecht & Frank Steffen

Windhoek

[…]

The controversy erupted after two white learners painted themselves black at a private gathering and referred to themselves using the racial slur “K*ffer.” The act, condemned by human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe as both offensive and unlawful, has prompted swift institutional responses from the schools involved – Windhoek Afrikaans Private School (WAP) and the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS).

WAP principal Alida Hill confirmed that her school has already held a meeting with the parents of the implicated learner.

“[…] We do not condone this behaviour under any circumstances,” Hill said. “A disciplinary process is underway, and we are working closely with the family to address the gravity of the matter.”

Hill added that the school’s code of conduct would guide any sanctions and that the broader school community would be engaged in discussions about respect, diversity, and the social impact of racist behaviour.

DHPS strengthens inclusion policy

Meanwhile, the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) said it immediately implemented disciplinary measures against its student and notified the ministry of education.

In a press statement, DHPS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on racism[.]

[…]

The school has reportedly begun reviewing its diversity education programmes and is planning additional workshops on Namibia’s racial history and the consequences of hate speech.

Minister calls for accountability

In a statement, education minister Sanet Steenkamp welcomed the schools’ swift interventions but stressed the need for sustained cultural change rather than one-off disciplinary measures.

[…].”

• Full report “Blackface scandal: WAP and DHPS take disciplinary action” on the website of the Namibian Sun (last checked in November 2025).

• See also the article on blackface in the ‘Glossary’ section of this website.