Teachers deserve better pay – Ballotti
‘Must be addressed directly and urgently’
Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti has acknowledged that teachers in Namibia are not paid enough.
Ballotti made these remarks during the Teachers’ Union of Namibia (TUN) quadrennial congress held in Rundu on Monday.
Speaking to delegates, Ballotti emphasised that teacher welfare is central to improving the quality of education across the country.
“Our teachers are not remunerated well enough. We need to pay our teachers better,” he said, rejecting attempts to defer responsibility.
“It doesn’t make sense for me to sit here and say remuneration falls under another office. While the Office of the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commission are responsible for salary increases, this must be addressed directly and urgently.”
Addressing systemic pressures in education
Ballotti highlighted the pressures within the education system. Namibia currently employs around 30 000 teachers, while more than 10 000 qualified graduates are still waiting to enter the profession.
“We have over 10 000 unemployed education graduates eager to get into the system,” he said. “While we speak of our 30 000 teachers in the system, we must also recognise those trying to enter it. This is a collective responsibility, and we cannot assume the government will provide an open chequebook to address this.”
Support each other
The deputy minister called for proactive leadership to address systemic challenges, including inadequate infrastructure. Referencing his visit to Kavango West, Ballotti said:
“We must be proactive as education leaders. Only teachers truly understand the plight of fellow teachers, and we must advocate for each other.”
Ballotti also stressed the importance of professionalisation, merit-based recruitment and continuous development to strengthen the teaching profession.
“No child succeeds unless their teacher is empowered, motivated and treated with dignity,” he said.
He further acknowledged the outgoing TUN leadership and urged the newly elected team to continue championing teacher welfare.
“You have a significant responsibility. Continue advocating for teachers and strengthening our education system,” Ballotti said.
Advocating for teacher welfare
Paulus Hango, president of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna), an affiliate of TUN, highlighted the union’s role in protecting teachers’ rights and improving working conditions. Hango emphasised the urgency of addressing teacher shortages, particularly in remote areas, and called for better salaries, allowances, and accommodation.
“Many teachers are facing numerous challenges, and it is our responsibility to ensure they work in a healthy and supportive environment,” he said.
“There is a shortage of teachers in schools, and this situation is forcing many teachers to handle an excessive number of students.”
Hango also stressed the importance of solidarity among unions to strengthen advocacy and collective bargaining.
“We must work in solidarity with other trade unions, because solidarity is power. Trade union members must remain united and lead by example in advocating for education and workers’ rights,” he said.
Ballotti made these remarks during the Teachers’ Union of Namibia (TUN) quadrennial congress held in Rundu on Monday.
Speaking to delegates, Ballotti emphasised that teacher welfare is central to improving the quality of education across the country.
“Our teachers are not remunerated well enough. We need to pay our teachers better,” he said, rejecting attempts to defer responsibility.
“It doesn’t make sense for me to sit here and say remuneration falls under another office. While the Office of the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commission are responsible for salary increases, this must be addressed directly and urgently.”
Addressing systemic pressures in education
Ballotti highlighted the pressures within the education system. Namibia currently employs around 30 000 teachers, while more than 10 000 qualified graduates are still waiting to enter the profession.
“We have over 10 000 unemployed education graduates eager to get into the system,” he said. “While we speak of our 30 000 teachers in the system, we must also recognise those trying to enter it. This is a collective responsibility, and we cannot assume the government will provide an open chequebook to address this.”
Support each other
The deputy minister called for proactive leadership to address systemic challenges, including inadequate infrastructure. Referencing his visit to Kavango West, Ballotti said:
“We must be proactive as education leaders. Only teachers truly understand the plight of fellow teachers, and we must advocate for each other.”
Ballotti also stressed the importance of professionalisation, merit-based recruitment and continuous development to strengthen the teaching profession.
“No child succeeds unless their teacher is empowered, motivated and treated with dignity,” he said.
He further acknowledged the outgoing TUN leadership and urged the newly elected team to continue championing teacher welfare.
“You have a significant responsibility. Continue advocating for teachers and strengthening our education system,” Ballotti said.
Advocating for teacher welfare
Paulus Hango, president of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna), an affiliate of TUN, highlighted the union’s role in protecting teachers’ rights and improving working conditions. Hango emphasised the urgency of addressing teacher shortages, particularly in remote areas, and called for better salaries, allowances, and accommodation.
“Many teachers are facing numerous challenges, and it is our responsibility to ensure they work in a healthy and supportive environment,” he said.
“There is a shortage of teachers in schools, and this situation is forcing many teachers to handle an excessive number of students.”
Hango also stressed the importance of solidarity among unions to strengthen advocacy and collective bargaining.
“We must work in solidarity with other trade unions, because solidarity is power. Trade union members must remain united and lead by example in advocating for education and workers’ rights,” he said.
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