Furious teachers threaten legal action against Govt

THE Namibia National Teacher’s Union (Nantu) is threatening to take Government to court unless a circular is rescinded which requires all teachers to seek approval before engaging in further studies.

Nantu President Ndapewa Nghipandulwa said at the celebration of World Teachers’ Day at Swakopmund on Tuesday that the Formal Education Circular no. 10/2003 was a blatant violation of the conditions of service of teachers.Nghipandulwa told The Namibian yesterday that the circular, which was issued around August last year, basically barred teachers from furthering their qualifications as they first had to get approval from their Regional Directors before registering.”This means that a teacher who did not obtain approval, would not gain financially from a higher qualification as there would be no additional remuneration involved.”In her speech on Tuesday, the Nantu President said the circular was issued without the consultation of her union, which is the only recognised bargaining agent for teachers.”We have therefore instructed our lawyers to proceed with the case to the High Court.”John Mutorwa, Minister of Basic Education, Sport and Culture, addressed the issue in his keynote speech at the celebrations on Tuesday.He said that the rationale behind the circular was to ensure that needs were met in terms of critical subjects at schools.He said it was necessary to know what teachers planned to study to ensure that critical subjects were covered.”The law of supply and demand applies here.”The Minister added: “Nobody can stand up and say we are blocking people to further educate themselves.”Nantu’s President reacted to the Minister’s explanation yesterday, saying his explanation differed from what they understood from the circular.”We have no dispute with what he said, although he did not mention the issue of remuneration.”Nghipandulwa maintained, though, that Nantu wanted the Ministry to rescind the circular and consult the union, “otherwise we will proceed with court action”.She said their request sent to Government at the beginning of the year was not responded to favourably.10/2003 was a blatant violation of the conditions of service of teachers.Nghipandulwa told The Namibian yesterday that the circular, which was issued around August last year, basically barred teachers from furthering their qualifications as they first had to get approval from their Regional Directors before registering.”This means that a teacher who did not obtain approval, would not gain financially from a higher qualification as there would be no additional remuneration involved.”In her speech on Tuesday, the Nantu President said the circular was issued without the consultation of her union, which is the only recognised bargaining agent for teachers.”We have therefore instructed our lawyers to proceed with the case to the High Court.”John Mutorwa, Minister of Basic Education, Sport and Culture, addressed the issue in his keynote speech at the celebrations on Tuesday.He said that the rationale behind the circular was to ensure that needs were met in terms of critical subjects at schools.He said it was necessary to know what teachers planned to study to ensure that critical subjects were covered.”The law of supply and demand applies here.”The Minister added: “Nobody can stand up and say we are blocking people to further educate themselves.”Nantu’s President reacted to the Minister’s explanation yesterday, saying his explanation differed from what they understood from the circular.”We have no dispute with what he said, although he did not mention the issue of remuneration.”Nghipandulwa maintained, though, that Nantu wanted the Ministry to rescind the circular and consult the union, “otherwise we will proceed with court action”.She said their request sent to Government at the beginning of the year was not responded to favourably.