Education bulletin is out

The education ministry has finally finalised the Teaching Vacancy Bulletin 2018 and will publish it in local newspapers and digital platforms on Friday, 3 November.
This follows a string of demands, protests and a one-day demonstration by teachers to compel the ministry to release the bulletin.
According to the education ministry spokesperson Absalom Absalom the bulletin has been approved by the Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa and will now be made public.
The bulletin will be published in the Republikein, Namibian Sun, Allgemeine Zeitung, New Era, The Namibian, Confidente, Southern Times and the Informante newspapers.
A total of 2 569 posts will be advertised in the bulletin, 79 of which are for school principals, 198 for department heads and 2 292 for teachers.
“The above-mentioned teaching posts have been identified as critical and hence the need to be filled in order for the teaching and learning process not to be compromised. It should be noted that 119 of the posts have been newly created, due to pressing needs and as a result of the 15th day school statistics; while the remaining 2 450 posts are currently occupied by temporary teachers whose contracts will come to an end with effect from 31 December 2017, thus rendering the posts vacant,” said Absalom.
The 15th day school statistics is what the ministry use to plan its year ahead and determine the books, stationery and teacher needs in schools.
Prospective teachers will have two weeks to apply as the applications close on 17 November 2017.
JEMIMA BEUKES