Two Windhoek pupils have been suspended after attending a private Halloween gathering in blackface and wearing vests labeled k-ff-r 1 and k-ff-r 2. Images shared on social media prompted complaints from parents and widespread condemnation. One of the students, who competed as a sponsored cyclist, lost that support after the sponsor ended the arrangement. Both remain barred from school grounds but may sit for upcoming exams while the ministry investigates.
Education director Edda Bohn said disciplinary measures will continue until the inquiry concludes and future school placements will be carefully reviewed. She rejected claims that the ministry sought to silence discussion and affirmed the incident’s public importance. The students did not face criminal charges at this stage but could be subject to proceedings if affected pupils pursue legal action for racial insult under statutes protecting personal dignity.
Legal experts described the attire and labels as invoking apartheid-era slurs and said any black student present may lodge charges. An apology letter sent to parents by one school’s deputy principal expressed regret for the distress caused and noted that the pupils involved had offered their own apologies. The matter remains under official review.
Education director Edda Bohn said disciplinary measures will continue until the inquiry concludes and future school placements will be carefully reviewed. She rejected claims that the ministry sought to silence discussion and affirmed the incident’s public importance. The students did not face criminal charges at this stage but could be subject to proceedings if affected pupils pursue legal action for racial insult under statutes protecting personal dignity.
Legal experts described the attire and labels as invoking apartheid-era slurs and said any black student present may lodge charges. An apology letter sent to parents by one school’s deputy principal expressed regret for the distress caused and noted that the pupils involved had offered their own apologies. The matter remains under official review.
