The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has clarified that teachers and other public servants are not prohibited from running private businesses.
However, they must first obtain official approval in line with the Public Service Act.
This follows the statement made by the Omusati education director regarding teachers who are running side hustles without approval from the ministry.
Deputy executive director in the ministry of education, Edda Bohn, who is also acting as the executive director, made the clarification.
She stressed that the directive from the regional director is consistent with the provisions of the Public Service Act.
“These regulations require public servants to obtain prior approval before engaging in any business activity or paid work outside their official government duties,” she added.
Bohn said the provisions are designed to ensure that public responsibilities are not compromised by private interests and to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
“The intention of such notices is not to discourage initiative among staff members. It is to ensure that any outside activities are properly declared and authorised in accordance with the law,” she said.
Bohn added that the communication from the Omusati regional education directorate should be viewed as a reminder of existing public service regulations.
“Public servants, including teachers, are allowed to engage in lawful private business activities. However, they must first formally declare these activities and obtain approval from the relevant authority,” she clarified.
In addition, she said this requirement applies regardless of whether the activity takes place during or after official working hours.
Bohn emphasised that teachers and other staff members who are already involved in private business activities are therefore encouraged to follow the prescribed procedures and submit the necessary applications for approval through the appropriate supervisory channels.
However, several teachers who spoke to this publication expressed concern, saying they feel threatened and discouraged from running small businesses to earn extra income.
Teachers said their salaries are often not enough to cover living expenses and support their families.
“We are just trying to make extra money, just like other employees and politicians who own big companies. Why not teachers?” said one teacher. Another teacher running a small clothing business, where customers place orders through her, believes it should not require formal approval.
“Imagine if I sell kapana over the weekend, is it necessary to get approval?” she asked.
Some teachers also argued that having a side hustle does not necessarily affect their commitment to teaching.
“Many teachers are very dedicated to their work. Having a business does not mean someone will neglect their duties,” said the teacher.
He added that performance at work should be the real measure of accountability.
“If a teacher has a business but is not serious about their work, then that becomes a problem,” he said.