Hileni Shikongo, newly elected //Kharas regional chairperson of the Teachers Union of Namibia, vowed to make sure that the rights of teachers are protected in the region and the country as a whole.
She made this undertaking during the union’s regional conference and elections that took place in Keetmanshoop last Friday. Nehemia Mutaleni was elected deputy chairperson whilst Alice Kamalekelo will be the new regional secretary. Zuze Maserinu, Izard Jackson and Pius Mbango will be additional members.
Shikongo bemoaned the fact that some teachers are not aware of being informed about their rights.
“We as colleagues should equip ourselves with knowledge on government policies and constitutional law as this is the only way we will know our rights,” she advised teachers at the conference.
Spelling out her plans as chairperson, she gave the assurance to work towards making sure teachers will perform their duties in a conducive environment.
“I will make time to visit schools in the region, be the voice of the voiceless and serve as an agent of change to solve problems and burning issues involving my colleagues,” Shikongo promised.
Kamalekelo, a teacher from Noordoewer, said this conference is an ideal opportunity for her to meet and socialise with colleagues from other parts of the country.
“I believe I can now learn more about the activities of the union and what role I play in the structure,’’ she said. Kamalekelo also said she is looking forward to partaking in the upcoming discussions on burning issues like no salary increments for a long period, non-payment of income tax refunds, lack of proper accommodation and overcrowded classrooms which are affecting teachers negatively.
TUN secretary general (SG), Mahongora Kavihuha in his opening statement strongly emphasised that the teacher representative body is not and will never be affiliated to any political party.
“Our main duties and functions are to work towards and address the interests, aspirations and needs of our members (teachers) which further underlines the existence and principles of TUN,” he said.
He also raised the concern of teachers being forced by government (education ministry) to violate rules and regulations in place.
“They (teachers) are forced to educate learners in overcrowded classrooms whilst also being subjected to work awkward hours,” said Kavihuha.
The union leader also reasoned that parents who allowed their children to be accommodated in overcrowded classrooms are not serious with the education they expect their kids to receive.
“It is the responsibility of government to build more classrooms in such cases or convert abandoned government buildings into additional classrooms to address this challenge as the teacher-learner ratio should be 1:35 at all times,’’ he said.
He also bemoaned the delay in the payment of tax refunds as well as the non-granting of salary increases for teachers and public servants for over three years.
– sklukowski@nepc.com.na