TUN backs Katrina’s removal

The Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) says it also want to see the minister of education Katrina Hanse-Himarwa shown the door as teachers have lost confidence in her. Last week, the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) called on President Hage Geingob to fire Hanse-Himarwa, claiming she was not fit for her office. Nantu secretary-general Basilius Haingura said the minister has a “terrible attitude”, which is the main reason teachers have lost faith in her. Haingura made these comments after Nantu and government signed a new agreement last week to stop a teachers’ strike over salary increases. “TUN urges the minister not to personalise this issue by attacking Basilius Haingura, the secretary-general of Nantu. The Minister must note that the unions - TUN and Nantu - are merely communicating the wishes of the majority of teachers in Namibia,” said TUN vice-president Ndjizuvee Haakuria. He added that if the minister was not convinced that the majority of the teachers shared TUN’s sentiments, then “a referendum is suggested for ease of reference in case the minister is not convinced”. Haakuria also mentioned that the minister of finance already indicated that the government will give inflation-related salary adjustments for 2016. “Yet, during negotiations Nantu instead agreed on 5% while inflation stands at 7%. In the external memo by Nantu, dated 17 October 2016, it is indicated that the agreed salary increment for 2016/2017 has been announced as 5%,” he said. “If that is the case, then the additional 2% should be calculated as from 01 April 2017, with the 5% because that is what was agreed according to by Nantu.” The teachers have been offered a 9% salary increase by government for next year, while the parties agreed that for this year salary adjustments for teachers at grades 15 to 13 will remain at 10% and for grades 12 to 5 it will remain at 5%. For grades 4 to 1A, it remains at 4%. This will be backdated to April 2016. Haakuria was nevertheless thankful to the teachers and Nantu for remaining steadfast and true to the cause. “Nantu has learned from this exercise that there is not much to gain from these unholy alliances apart from mortgaging workers interest and promoting the interest of the employer,” he said.KEITH VRIES

TUN backs Katrina’s removal

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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TUN backs Katrina’s removal

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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