Zambezi leadership has called on teachers in the region to work hard to improve the poor performance the region has been experiencing over the years. 

This comes after the release of Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary levels examination results, where the regional pass rate was 14% and 34%, respectively, ranked the lowest nationwide.

During a mass meeting on Monday, the regional leadership could not shy away from taking the blame by emphasising it should be equally shared by all stakeholders. 

“Results are not something that we can hope for. It is something that we must work for. If at one stage we think that Zambezi region is going to be at number four, while we remain with the same thinking, I would say it is madness at a high level,” said Zambezi education director Josty Kawana.

He further called on his staff to review where they have gone wrong for them to improve. 

He added that in as much as learners have to self-evaluate, the same applies to teachers and staff at the regional office.

“There are some schools where HoDs do not know what is expected of them, while you are leading your fellow teachers. There are schools where some principals are frequently at regional offices and shops during school hours. 

“Some staff feel that a school principal or a teacher is lower than what he or she is. Hence, you will decide what to do. If a school principal comes knocking on your door, you tell him/her to go back and come another day. When it is evident the principal needed your support. Therefore, I want to discourage all that,” stressed Kawana.

“If learners are to perform, staff at the regional office must shape up so that we meet our principals and teachers halfway, and then help learners towards achieving better results,” he said.

Kawana further vowed to visit schools to engage stakeholders on various challenges they are experiencing.

Speaking at the same event, Zambezi Regional Council chairperson Warden Simushi said the region has qualified teachers, which indicates it is well-equipped to deliver. 

“We have been talking, but there is no change. How can a school get zero? Learners were 48 at one school but zero qualified. You are highly qualified teachers but you get 0%; it is simply not right,” stated Simushi.

Other speakers at the meeting implored all stakeholders to change their attitudes and work together to improve the poor performance of the region.