Nantu wants apologyMinistry condemns ''attacks'' on Hanse-Himarwa The education ministry has slammed Nantu for demanding an apology from Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa for what she said about striking teachers. The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has condemned what it called “insulting slurs and attacks” on Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa by people calling for her removal from office.This is according to a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry''s permanent secretary, Sanet Steenkamp, with regard to allegations that Hanse-Himarwa made derogatory statements during the recent teachers'' strike.
The statement came a week after the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) northern executive demanded a public apology from Hanse-Himarwa to the teaching fraternity for statements she made during and after the strike.
The statements were apparently made by the minister when she thanked teachers who voted against the strike, referring them to as people with sober minds who showed maturity. Nantu regarded that as an insult to those who voted for the strike.
Nantu also wants the minister to apologise for saying “Nantu must learn where to start and where to end” and “teachers are not patriotic citizens”.
According to the education ministry''s statement, all statements made by Hanse-Himarwa during, before and after the strike were in line with the government''s stance on the salary negotiations.
“The ministry wishes to reiterate that all official statements made by the minister, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, were consistent with the position of the Government of the Republic of Namibia in terms of the salary negotiations between the government negotiation team and Nantu,” the statement read.
“While we value honest, analytical and constructive criticism that would redirect our efforts, we denounce the insulting slurs and attacks on the person of the minister,” the statement further read.
It there was nothing on record that Hanse-Himarwa threatened the teachers with action after the two-day strike was called off.
“In all our official statements made, it is clear that the minister had the interest of teachers and learners at heart. Information provided through statements made by the minister was to ensure that teachers, who are our direct and trusted stakeholders, were well informed and engaged,” it read.
“To allege and insist that the minister undermines and insults the teachers is in strong contrast with the genuine efforts of the minister since she took office one year and nine months ago.”
KENYA KAMBOWE