Schools deserted as striking teachers toyi-toyi in the street

AS Namibia’s teachers went on strike, the education ministry suspended classes and postponed all Grade 10 and 12 examinations for both private and public schools scheduled for today and tomorrow.

There was a varied picture at all the schoolsvisited in different parts of the country.

Empty hallways, classrooms, deserted staff rooms and an eery silence made up the atmosphere at two Khomasdal schools visited by the news crew this morning.

With the usual chatter of pupils conspicuously absent, the schools were deserted as teachers toyi-toyied in Katutura.

At Cosmos High School only two teachers carried out duties but both refused to comment on the strike.

Across the street, MH Greef Primary School was a little less deserted with more staff members hanging around the school’s administration building.

The principal declined to speak or allow any of his staff members to be interviewed.

He directed The Namibian to either Nantu or the education ministry. He refused to allow any pictures to be taken of the deserted classrooms.

The principal of Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School in Ongwediva Sackaria Eelu told day-scholars to go home while boarders had to stay in the classrooms until the cleaners were done at the hostels.

“No teaching or learning will take place,” he said.

Eelu told pupils and teachers who reported for duty that they should not be demoralised as government is working on a solution to the impasse.

He said they have not received any official communication but they have verified the letter circulating and they will wait for more information.

He told pupils who were singing spiritual songs at assembly to lift their spirits to continue doing revision.

Classes continued normally at Keetmanshoop Primary School where the principal Peter Zulch said he had not yet received any directive to send pupils home.

“;All teachers reported for duty and we continue with classes as usual,”; said Zulch.

Other schools at Keetmanshoop sent their pupils home.

Some pupils at West Side High at Swakop supported the strike by teachers.

“;Without teachers we cannot become anything. If government looks after them then they can look after us,”; one girl said before being told by a school official not “;to speak politics to the newspapers”;.

Meanwhile, examinations director Calvin Nyambe told that private schools were told not to open exam paper envelopes because “;it will be regarded as fraud”;.

Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS), a private school in Windhoek, resembled a ghost town, mainly because of the mid-term break where pupils are allowed to stay at home for the week.

Marietta Hennis, head of the senior section for the Namibia Senior Secondary School pupils at the school said they had to turn away pupils who showed up for the examination.

“Our pupils were here this morning and they wanted to hear from us. We calmed them down and sent them back home. We’ll have to wait as exams for today and tomorrow will be rescheduled.”

Fortunately, the school does not have any pupils writing any entrepreneurship subjects set for tomorrow.

“It is a private school, teachers salaries are not paid by government. We have never been on strike before.”

Despite this, she commended Gerard Vries, director of education, arts and culture for Khomas region, for informing the school about the strike.

“We appreciate the way in which the ministry acted. They are very efficient.”

Kokas Viljoen, deputy principal at WHS, said that pupils who are interested in revising at school are welcome as all the teachers and administrators are at the school. However, if the pupils want to go home, they may still do so as formal lessons have been suspended.

“We are very upset with government. This comes from last year and nothing has happened. They are making us look like fools,” said Viljoen.

With youngsters roaming the Windhoek streets in their school uniform, the scene turns more dramatic as you approach the teachers’ gathering.