WINDHOEK – The Minister of Education Dr David Namwandi came down heavily on teachers in the Khomas Region earlier this week, threatening to demote non-performing principals of public schools instead of transferring them to other schools.
He also threatened the ministry would take action against private schools that lower educational standards in the name of making profits, by employing unqualified teachers. He said the ministry would not hesitate to de-register such schools if learners continue to fail. Namwandi met with teachers from private schools and public schools in the Khomas Region separately earlier in the week, telling the two groups that schools in the region have access to the best teachers, facilities, infrastructure and teaching environment and that there is no reason why the region should perform poorly in the national rankings. He said the region remains one of the worst ranked in the country. Performance in the Khomas Region improved marginally by climbing one position up from position seven in 2012 to the current 6th position out of all 13 regions. By comparison the Otjozondjupa Region moved up five positions from 8th to the current number three position, following the Oshikoto Region in position two and the Erongo Region in the 1st place. The Ohangwena Region, which was in 6th position is now ranked fourth. “This Ministry of Education will no longer take kindly to private schools that are lowering education standards. Government hates taking steps against those who do not subscribe to our standards,” he warned private school teachers during the meeting with them, saying the ministry does not want to be compelled to interfere.
Namwandi also met public school teachers on the same day. “Year-in year-out, we are going down. I am not happy. This trend should be reversed whatever the cost. We will not hesitate to demote a teacher or principal. There is no difference between demoting and transferring. The Public Service Act can be changed and if we are compelled to put our hands in that Act to improve the Namibian child, we can do that, so beware of finding yourself demoted and your headship (sic) taken away. Beware of the young, eager, energetic teachers who have the potential to replace you and turn your failure into success. They are out there and are hungry for promotion and hungry to lead troubled schools and turn them around.”
The minister also took issue with private schools that employ unqualified teachers, while charging exorbitant school fees. “We cannot watch private schools collecting more funds from parents, who are not getting value for money.” He said the government is doing everything in its power to aid schools employing 10 percent of disadvantaged learners with a small subsidy and in return expects such private schools to take the lead and deliver quality education. “You have to remember that your schools being in the Khomas Region – are located in the legislative, administrative and economic capital of Namibia. Your schools are surrounded by civilization, the world of ICT and one fails to understand why your schools cannot perform,” Namwandi emphasized. He further said last year when he addressed secondary school principals, he directed them to set an 80 percent pass rate target, but his call was not heeded. “I still repeat, set targets for your schools. Your targets should go along with strategic planning on how you will support your schools to reach the 80 percent or 100 percent adherence to policies,” he said. He also advised school principals and heads of departments to carry out self-evaluation to find out where they are and on what aspects they need to improve on to reach their targets. “Your schools shall be held accountable for poor results,” he warned.
By Magreth Nunuhe and Albertina Nakale