Teachers demand end to indigenous language bias in Rundu circuit

Rundu Circuit treasurer Ansfried Moyo expressed frustration over unresolved issues affecting language educators, particularly those teaching Rumanyo and Thimbukushu. Moyo told Namibian Sun yesterday that teachers specialising in these languages are required to submit their preparation files to a Rukwangali-speaking Head of Department (HoD).He said this practice undermines the effectiveness of their instruction and violates professional standards.Leadership posts“The learners are confused. I’ve taught for two years now, but there’s nothing I can say my HoD taught me in my language,” Moyo said. He said the HOD is not a Rumanyo-speaking person and there’s nothing she is advising him on linguistically, either as a teacher or for his learners.Moyo further claimed that promotional posts advertised earlier this year disproportionately favoured Rukwangali, leaving out other recognised languages. “Are you telling me that Rumanyo and Thimbukushu speakers do not deserve leadership posts?” he asked.Moyo further accused the Rundu branch chairperson and the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) regional leadership of failing to act. "Since our only meeting in 2024, nothing has happened. I wrote to the regional chairperson, and instead of calling a meeting, he informed the branch chairperson, who later threatened me for bypassing him,” Moyo said.Adapt in futureKavango East regional education director Christine Shilima told Namibian Sun yesterday that the existing ministry structures only allow for one HoD per subject grouping, including languages. “In the past, most indigenous language teachers in Rundu Circuit were Rukwangali-speaking, so HoD posts were given accordingly,” she said. “But now that more learners and teachers are taking Rumanyo and Thimbukushu, we will adapt in the future.”Shilima added that internal arrangements among teachers to review lesson plans within language groups are allowed, but these roles cannot be formalised or compensated without ministry approval due to budget limitations.While the director noted that future recruitment may consider the linguistic diversity now emerging in the circuit, Moyo remained skeptical, citing long-standing inaction. “Since last year, I’ve raised these issues, and still nothing has changed,” he said.The teachers have now called on Nantu secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha to intervene and help establish an independent task force to investigate their claims.Efforts to reach the regional chairperson of Nantu for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Teachers demand end to indigenous language bias in Rundu circuit

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-22

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Teachers demand end to indigenous language bias in Rundu circuit

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-22

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