Hanse-Himarwa meets Khomas directors and principals

WINDHOEK, 21 JUN – Conduct unbecoming teachers are negatively impacting teaching and learning and the biggest losers in this situation are learners, Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has said.
The minister made these remarks here Wednesday during a meeting with Khomas principals and directors.
Hanse-Himarwa appealed to managers and supervisors at all levels within the education sector to do away with negligence, laziness, sluggishness and complacency in the execution of assigned tasks and responsibilities.
She urged them not to entertain immoral behaviour such as theft, late coming, uncommunicated leave, absenteeism, insubordination, and non-compliance to established work ethics and corporate values, as this contribute to poor performance.
On the issue of leave, she said the handling of all types of leave requires better control.
Hanse-Himarwa said the recent payroll verification exercise conducted in all 14 regions revealed that some staff members are on sick leave since 2016, but still receive full salaries.
She blamed this on a lack of action from all role players – from heads of schools and inspectors to Human Resources departments.
“In some instances these cases are reported through available channels for action, which at times is not forthcoming, and in some instances these cases are never reported by the principal or school management,” she said.
The release of the report on the payroll verification culminated in disciplinary measures taken against guilty staff members, while criminal charges have been laid against some offenders.
“I therefore want to caution all of you to be vigilant and to report any suspicious actions by your fellow team members so that we arrest and contain this unbecoming behaviour in a prompt and efficient manner,” the minister appealed.
She further described the importance of the gathering as providing an opportunity to not only share expectations, but also acknowledge individual and collective efforts which produced some expected results, but also discuss why some could not meet expectations. Here Hanse-Himarwa mentioned the challenge of schools in the region that failed to achieve a 60 per cent pass rate in grades 10 and 12 national examinations.
The gathering was attended by among others Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua.
Similar meetings will be conducted in all regions.
(NAMPA)