Zorena Jantze
CLOSE to 50 teachers gathered at the Habitat Research Centre in the Capital on Thursday where they voiced their frustrations on the lack of salary increments since 2015, stating that they are struggling to make ends meet with rising inflation levels.
The meeting which was coordinated by the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) came under controversial opposition after the Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU) sent out a memo distancing itself from the meeting and encouraging its members to do the same to avoid the unwanted situation that occurred in 2012.
The message to boycott this meeting, however, fell on deaf ears for those who were in attendance, at which the secretary-general of TUN, Mahongora Kavihuha, shared his dissatisfaction with the economic struggles faced by teachers and called for a nationwide consultative process.
Kavihuha shared that while this is the first public engagement, the next session would be held at Government Park, as well as at the coast and eventually spread to other regions.
“Many think that these meetings are an opportunity to do as we please. However, we are merely seeking input on the matter. We’ve been told for long to be patient. However, the prices of commodities are on the increase daily. There has been no salary increment since 2015. It’s time to do some self-introspection and come up with proposals on the matter,” Kavihuha said.
He said it is not enough for government to state that there is no money and stated that there is a need to look into these accounts to paint a clearer picture.
Kavihuha also slammed sentiments made by President Hage Geingob in which he shared that government will adopt a laissez-faire approach and simply create a conducive environment for investors.
According to him, a government should never take a laissez-faire stance as it would amount to leaving workers in the hands of capitalists that will suck them dry.
Asked whether or not the union would down tools to have their demands met, Kavihuha stated that the outcome would be up to proposals made by teachers.
Some of the teachers at the meeting also shared their dissatisfaction with their membership with NANTU stating that they are tired of the union’s inaction and also find it cumbersome to de-register from the union as they are not provided with the forms to do so.
In its press statement, NANTU shared as far as it is concerned its members are well-informed on the progress made so far concerning the salary negotiation process with the government.
“Members are once again informed that a dispute of interest has been registered with the office of the Labour Commissioner, after the parties reached a deadlock on 24 February 2022. This is in terms of clauses 13 and 11 of the respective Recognition Agreement between NANTU and NAPWU unions.
“The matter is ceased with the office of the Labour Commissioner, in terms of the Labour act 11 of 2007, and is expected to be resolved within 30 days unless there is a prospect by the parties to resolve the matter amicably,” chairperson of NANTU Kevin Kahungi said.
He further requested members and teachers to remain calm and patient and allow the law to take its course.
