Iivula-Ithana pleads with teachers not to strikeThe minister of home affairs, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, has joined the chorus of those urging teachers not to strike, saying that a strike would harm the future of the Namibian child and that of the country.
“I know that the teaching profession has always been a caring industry for the love and interest of our children.
“I urge you, our dear teachers, in your collective wisdom please avoid making any decisions that will sacrifice the future of our children which will have enduring and long-lasting damaging effects on the future prospects of our children,” Iivula-Ithana
said.
Iivula-Ithana was speaking on Saturday at the renaming of the Uukwandongo Combined School in the Omusati Region, which was renamed after its first principal, the late Oiva Tshiikwa ya Tshivute.
Teachers in Namibia are not willing to accept a 5% salary increase offered by the government. They are demanding an 8% increase.
Since last week Tuesday teachers countywide have been voting whether to go on strike.
Critics say the timing of the planned strike is devastating because grade 10 and 12 learners are writing examinations.
“Education is a joint effort between teachers, learners, parents and the community as a whole. Teachers are given that master key to open the doors of success for our children,” Iivula-Ithana said.
She pointed out that learners rely on teachers to shape their future and prepare them to face the world and its challenges.
She said teachers should be more understanding and look at the situation from both sides. Although they are struggling to make ends meet, they should understand the economic challenges facing the country.
Today, teachers in the Oshana and Zambezi regions will vote at several fixed and mobile polling stations to indicate whether they are in favour of the planned strike or not.
KENYA KAMBOWE