Hanse-Himarwa warns teachers on absenteeism and non-performance

OTJIWARONGO, 07 JUN – Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa on Wednesday strongly warned teachers against absenteeism.
The minister issued the warning at a meeting in Otjiwarongo where she addressed school principals of the 71 private and Government schools in the Otjozondjupa Region.
She warned the teachers on absenteeism shortly after a presentation was made to her by the Otjozondjupa Education Director, Simon Tsuseb, who said absenteeism among teachers in the region is a big concern and challenge in the service delivery of education here.
Hanse-Himarwa is in the region on a two-day familiarisation visit.
“Absenteeism from duty without lawful authorisation is tantamount to corruption and I call on the school managers to take proper records and action against such people,” she said.
She then reminded school principals, teachers and education inspectors to always remember that the mandate of the ministry is basically to educate and train learners in the country with the intention to prepare them for the future.
Hanse-Himarwa extended her warning to the school teachers who she said cause damage to learners by failing to deliver quality teaching inside the classrooms, warning them to be careful as they will be dealt with.
The minister then ordered school principals who attended the meeting to go back to their schools and conduct a clean-up on absenteeism, insubordination and non-compliance to the established work ethics and corporate values of their schools.
She urged regional political leaders and school supervisors here to strongly condemn any type of negligence, laziness, un-communicated leave and sluggishness by any teacher.
Hanse-Himarwa also called on the regional education directors, deputy directors, school inspectors and principals to execute good leadership at all times.
“However, I also know that you have and continue to try your level best in your various capacities to achieve the targets we have set for ourselves,” she said.
The minister then lastly informed school teachers and principals in the region that she is not shy to let them know that she depends on them to successfully execute the mandate of the whole ministry.
Otjozondjupa is in 10th place nationally in the junior secondary certificate, and in first place in the Grade 12 higher level of the 2017 final examination results.
(NAMPA)
M