Why Nantu must urgently address members’ concerns
As Namibia’s educators prepare to commemorate World Teachers’ Day on 5 October—a day meant to celebrate their dedication and contributions—they do so under the weight of unresolved challenges. Teachers continue to face economic hardship and uncertainty. The silence of the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) leadership on pressing issues is deeply worrying. A union exists to be the voice of its members, yet teachers increasingly feel abandoned.
The following are concerns that the union leadership must address without delay.
Lack of feedback on 2025/26 salary negotiations and fringe benefits
The most pressing concern is the silence surrounding salary negotiations and fringe benefits for the 2025/26 financial year. At a time when teachers are struggling under rising living costs, members are left in the dark about progress on issues that directly affect their livelihoods. The union leadership must urgently communicate clear updates on salaries and benefits. Timely feedback is not optional—it is the union’s duty.
Withdrawal of retirement token of appreciation
The discontinuation of the retirement token of appreciation, previously given to members upon retirement, has left many feeling undervalued. The gesture was symbolic, but it also acknowledged lifelong dedication to the profession. Its removal is seen as a denial of teachers’ sacrifices. The union must reinstate the token of appreciation or establish a formal recognition package to ensure teachers retire with dignity.
Non-accumulative vacation leave days
Teachers continue to forfeit vacation leave days because the current policy does not allow them to accumulate or cash out unused days. This is an unjust practice in a profession regarded as the “mother of all professions.” The nature of teaching makes it impossible for educators to take their eight annual vacation days consecutively during the school term. The union must advocate for either the right to carry forward unused leave days or financial compensation in lieu of them.
Grade 7 salary gap
The removal of the Grade 7 salary notch from the teaching service has widened the gap between teachers and heads of department (HoDs). The Union must push for a review of the grading system to close unnecessary gaps and create a clear, fair pathway for career advancement.
Exclusion of principals from union leadership
Principals, burdened with both teaching and administrative roles, are barred from holding leadership positions in the union. This exclusion is unfair and weakens the organisation by sidelining valuable experience. The Union must review its constitution to allow principals to fully participate in leadership structures.
Principals’ workload
School principals remain overburdened by demanding management responsibilities while still being required to teach. This undermines both school leadership and classroom quality. The union must demand the scrapping of principals’ teaching hours and ensure the allocation of additional teaching staff.
Abolition of payslip deductions by the ministry of finance
The ministry of finance’s decision to abolish payslip deductions will severely affect teachers who rely on this system for loans, savings and financial services. Without it, many face financial instability, forcing them into predatory lending arrangements. Teachers are already under immense financial stress—tragically, three teacher suicides were reported in a single month, linked directly to overwhelming debt and despair. Nantu must urgently engage the Office of the Prime Minister to reverse or mitigate this policy. If not reversed, alternative systems must be created to protect teachers from exploitation.
Prolonged teacher disciplinary processes
There is a noticeable delay in finalising teachers’ disciplinary cases, despite existing frameworks requiring speedy resolution. In some instances, cases drag on for more than two years. The union must demand the timely finalisation of these cases to ensure fairness and reduce unnecessary stress.
As 5 October approaches, a day meant to honour teachers, we must acknowledge that such celebrations ring hollow when educators continue to suffer in silence. Teachers are the backbone of Namibia’s education system, yet they remain overworked, underpaid, and underrepresented.
Nantu has a proud history. To preserve that legacy, the current leadership must act decisively, advocate boldly, and place members’ welfare and dignity at the forefront of its agenda.
It is time for Nantu to break its silence and speak loudly—not just for teachers, but for the future of education in Namibia.
The following are concerns that the union leadership must address without delay.
Lack of feedback on 2025/26 salary negotiations and fringe benefits
The most pressing concern is the silence surrounding salary negotiations and fringe benefits for the 2025/26 financial year. At a time when teachers are struggling under rising living costs, members are left in the dark about progress on issues that directly affect their livelihoods. The union leadership must urgently communicate clear updates on salaries and benefits. Timely feedback is not optional—it is the union’s duty.
Withdrawal of retirement token of appreciation
The discontinuation of the retirement token of appreciation, previously given to members upon retirement, has left many feeling undervalued. The gesture was symbolic, but it also acknowledged lifelong dedication to the profession. Its removal is seen as a denial of teachers’ sacrifices. The union must reinstate the token of appreciation or establish a formal recognition package to ensure teachers retire with dignity.
Non-accumulative vacation leave days
Teachers continue to forfeit vacation leave days because the current policy does not allow them to accumulate or cash out unused days. This is an unjust practice in a profession regarded as the “mother of all professions.” The nature of teaching makes it impossible for educators to take their eight annual vacation days consecutively during the school term. The union must advocate for either the right to carry forward unused leave days or financial compensation in lieu of them.
Grade 7 salary gap
The removal of the Grade 7 salary notch from the teaching service has widened the gap between teachers and heads of department (HoDs). The Union must push for a review of the grading system to close unnecessary gaps and create a clear, fair pathway for career advancement.
Exclusion of principals from union leadership
Principals, burdened with both teaching and administrative roles, are barred from holding leadership positions in the union. This exclusion is unfair and weakens the organisation by sidelining valuable experience. The Union must review its constitution to allow principals to fully participate in leadership structures.
Principals’ workload
School principals remain overburdened by demanding management responsibilities while still being required to teach. This undermines both school leadership and classroom quality. The union must demand the scrapping of principals’ teaching hours and ensure the allocation of additional teaching staff.
Abolition of payslip deductions by the ministry of finance
The ministry of finance’s decision to abolish payslip deductions will severely affect teachers who rely on this system for loans, savings and financial services. Without it, many face financial instability, forcing them into predatory lending arrangements. Teachers are already under immense financial stress—tragically, three teacher suicides were reported in a single month, linked directly to overwhelming debt and despair. Nantu must urgently engage the Office of the Prime Minister to reverse or mitigate this policy. If not reversed, alternative systems must be created to protect teachers from exploitation.
Prolonged teacher disciplinary processes
There is a noticeable delay in finalising teachers’ disciplinary cases, despite existing frameworks requiring speedy resolution. In some instances, cases drag on for more than two years. The union must demand the timely finalisation of these cases to ensure fairness and reduce unnecessary stress.
As 5 October approaches, a day meant to honour teachers, we must acknowledge that such celebrations ring hollow when educators continue to suffer in silence. Teachers are the backbone of Namibia’s education system, yet they remain overworked, underpaid, and underrepresented.
Nantu has a proud history. To preserve that legacy, the current leadership must act decisively, advocate boldly, and place members’ welfare and dignity at the forefront of its agenda.
It is time for Nantu to break its silence and speak loudly—not just for teachers, but for the future of education in Namibia.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article