Nantu Erongo condemns threats made against teachers
Union demands respect for educators
The Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) in Erongo has attributed the poor learners' performance in the 2025 academic results to longstanding systemic challenges within the education system.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Nantu Erongo chairperson Given Gowaseb warned against what he described as a growing “blame game” directed at teachers.
He said that while accountability is important, the current public discourse by some education leaders unfairly targets teachers without addressing the broader conditions under which they work.
“Teacher performance does not exist in isolation," he stressed.
"It is influenced by several systemic factors that must be addressed before responsibility is unfairly placed on educators who are working under extremely challenging conditions.”
Nantu strongly condemned the threats and intimidation directed at teachers and principals as a result of poor academic performance.
“We demand respect for teachers for the noble task they fulfil in shaping Namibian children. They teach under difficult circumstances, often without adequate support from the ministry of education.”
Gowaseb said the union is open to constructive engagement with the ministry and other education stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing our education system.
Overfull classrooms
Gowaseb said one of the key issues affecting performance, in their view, is the teacher-to-learner ratio. The union cited approved staffing norms, which recommend a ratio of 25 learners per teacher in pre-primary, 35 in primary, 30 in secondary and 25 in NSSCAS classes.
“Research conducted on staffing norms during the 2023/24 academic year indicated that many schools exceeded these limits and faced teacher shortages," Gowaseb said.
The research also showed that schools are overcrowded and operating beyond approved norms, he said, adding that recommendations made to the education ministry were allegedly ignored.
Lack of basics
The union also highlighted a lack of infrastructure and learning resources, noting that many schools continue to operate without adequate classrooms, desks, chairs and essential teaching materials.
“Expecting improved performance without first ensuring proper infrastructure is both unrealistic and unfair," the unionist said.
Another concern raised was that numerous schools lack sufficient heads of departments (HODs).
“This leads to poorly supervised departments. Effective instructional leadership cannot take place where management structures are incomplete or overstretched," said Gowaseb.
He also emphasised that continuous professional development (CPD) is not merely a luxury but a necessity.
“This programme must be implemented with the urgency and seriousness it deserves to ensure teachers are supported, capacitated and kept abreast of curriculum and pedagogical developments.”
Boost education outcomes
He reiterated that if the region wishes to reclaim its status as a ‘region of excellence’, it will not be achieved through public shaming, threats or unrealistic demands.
“It will be achieved through the provision of adequate classrooms, addressing overcrowding, filling management vacancies, investing in professional development, and respecting the professionals who are currently holding the education system together.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Nantu Erongo chairperson Given Gowaseb warned against what he described as a growing “blame game” directed at teachers.
He said that while accountability is important, the current public discourse by some education leaders unfairly targets teachers without addressing the broader conditions under which they work.
“Teacher performance does not exist in isolation," he stressed.
"It is influenced by several systemic factors that must be addressed before responsibility is unfairly placed on educators who are working under extremely challenging conditions.”
Nantu strongly condemned the threats and intimidation directed at teachers and principals as a result of poor academic performance.
“We demand respect for teachers for the noble task they fulfil in shaping Namibian children. They teach under difficult circumstances, often without adequate support from the ministry of education.”
Gowaseb said the union is open to constructive engagement with the ministry and other education stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing our education system.
Overfull classrooms
Gowaseb said one of the key issues affecting performance, in their view, is the teacher-to-learner ratio. The union cited approved staffing norms, which recommend a ratio of 25 learners per teacher in pre-primary, 35 in primary, 30 in secondary and 25 in NSSCAS classes.
“Research conducted on staffing norms during the 2023/24 academic year indicated that many schools exceeded these limits and faced teacher shortages," Gowaseb said.
The research also showed that schools are overcrowded and operating beyond approved norms, he said, adding that recommendations made to the education ministry were allegedly ignored.
Lack of basics
The union also highlighted a lack of infrastructure and learning resources, noting that many schools continue to operate without adequate classrooms, desks, chairs and essential teaching materials.
“Expecting improved performance without first ensuring proper infrastructure is both unrealistic and unfair," the unionist said.
Another concern raised was that numerous schools lack sufficient heads of departments (HODs).
“This leads to poorly supervised departments. Effective instructional leadership cannot take place where management structures are incomplete or overstretched," said Gowaseb.
He also emphasised that continuous professional development (CPD) is not merely a luxury but a necessity.
“This programme must be implemented with the urgency and seriousness it deserves to ensure teachers are supported, capacitated and kept abreast of curriculum and pedagogical developments.”
Boost education outcomes
He reiterated that if the region wishes to reclaim its status as a ‘region of excellence’, it will not be achieved through public shaming, threats or unrealistic demands.
“It will be achieved through the provision of adequate classrooms, addressing overcrowding, filling management vacancies, investing in professional development, and respecting the professionals who are currently holding the education system together.”
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article