Windhoek
There seems to be conflict brewing between the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu), who are saying teachers should not report for duty tomorrow, and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, which maintains that teachers and learners should attend school to commemorate the day.
Nantu secretary general Basilius Haingura said in a letter he issued on Monday that teachers should not report for duty on Thursday, as it is declared a school holiday, which is commemorated throughout the SADC region.
New Era contacted Haingura to confirm whether he was indeed the author of the letter and he answered in the affirmative. He wrote that any teacher intimidated or victimised for not reporting for duty should report to Nantu head office through the union existing structures.
Meanwhile, education ministry spokesperson Johanna Absalom warned teachers who do not show up tomorrow that the ministry is guided by the Public Service Act.
The permanent secretary (PS) in the ministry of education, Sanet Steenkamp, on June 6 explained that although June 16 is designated as a school holiday, it is a very important day for every Namibian child. Against this background directors of education were kindly requested to inform school principals, teachers and learners to join in celebrating this important day at school from 08h00 to 13h00.
“Each school should prepare a programme that includes activities, such as invited guests, motivational speakers, poems, drama, cultural dances, etc. to dedicate to this special day. A report should be forwarded to the regional directorate through the circuit office,” the circular indicated.
However, Haingura told New Era that the union and the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) last week wrote to the PS indicating that there is no way they can change a holiday to a working day.
Haingura said the PS is contradicting her earlier instructions, in which she apparently said that any motivations speakers that intend to visit schools to address learners should apply four weeks in advance.
In addition, he said when you look at the historical background, June 16 is dedicated to the youth and he was expecting the ministry to get in touch with Nanso and the union to clarify the change. “This should be a tripartite [agreement],” he said.
He pointed out that schools have failed to communicate with parents in advance about planned activities that would take place at schools on Thursday and as a result many families have already made other arrangements.
“People should not go to school. If teachers are dealt with (disciplined) at schools, they should inform the union and say what they were charged with so that the union can take it further,” remarked Haingura.
Haingura said the union learned with dismay that PS Steenkamp still insists teachers should report to their respective duty stations on Thursday. He said attempts have been made to meet the PS to get clarification or establish the reasons why teachers should report for duty on June 16, but unfortunately their attempts were unsuccessful thus far.