Hage appeals to teachers, defends US trip In a last-ditch attempt, President Hage Geingob has pleaded with teachers not to vote in support of strike action following a pay dispute with government. Addressing the media at State House this afternoon before jetting out to the US, Geingob said those supporting strike action are making the country ungovernable. He appealed to teachers to reconsider their position and accept the 5% offer by government. Teachers are demanding a salary hike of 8%. This week teachers started voting for or against possible strike action. Geingob also defended his 24-day visit to the US, saying he was not wasting taxpayer’s money. “People speak of travelling for S&T. What is S&T? My office is filled with invitations. Being aware of the cost, we have reduced the size of our delegation to the US,” he said. Geingob will leave for the United States tomorrow for the 71st United Nations General Assembly, which he is expected to address on 22 September. Geingob’s programme will also include engagements with the North American business sector until his return on 4 October.DENVER ISAACS