ONGWEDIVA, 11 APR – Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa urged the leadership of her ministry to condemn negligence, laziness, complacency and mediocrity in the execution of assigned tasks and responsibilities.
In a statement presented on her behalf to the Oshana Education Directorate’s directors and principals at Ongwediva on Tuesday, Hanse-Himarwa said there are many instances where staff members of the ministry unjustly claim more rights while forgetting their responsibilities.
“Often we see many blaming the ministry unreasonably without bringing their side to the table,” she noted, adding that even those who have consistently failed to perform what is expected of them continue to claim their rights, forgetting that they remain gainfully employed in the ministry.
This, Hanse-Himarwa said, cannot continue as staff members are privileged to have a job which many others long for.
She further demanded that behaviour such as theft, tardiness, leave that is not taken through the right channels, absenteeism, insubordination and non-compliance to established work ethics and corporate values should be done away with.
Hanse-Himarwa also wants to see staff time and efforts well managed and supported. She pointed out that a payroll verification exercise the ministry conducted in all 14 regions showed a lack of action from the heads of schools, inspectors of education and human resource department when it comes to staff members who are on prolonged sick leave.
“We have noticed cases of staff members who are on sick leave from as far back as 2016 but are still receiving a full salary. 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 principals or school management,” the minister said.
Such tendencies, Hanse-Himarwa added, negatively impact the teaching and learning process and learners are ultimately the losers in these situations.
The ministry, under the theme ‘Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership’, plans to interact with regional managers and supervisors during 2018 on key issues that affect education. This will be done through various platforms and channels, such as the meeting held on Tuesday.
NAMPA
