Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
September 2024
The Namibian
Teachers Union of Namibia secretary general Mahongora Kavihuhasays plans to involve private sector for funding involvesthe state running away from its responsibilities
Source
“Kavihuha says plans to involve the private sector for funding involves the state running away from its responsibilities.”
The Teachers Union of Namibia has raised concerns that tribal favouritism in promotions has resulted in unequal representation in senior teaching positions in some regions. A National Council standing committee acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that such claims should be supported by statistics, and stressed the need to balance inclusivity and diversity with merit and good performance.
The Teachers Union of Namibia has raised concerns that tribal favouritism in promotions has resulted in unequal representation in senior teaching positions in some regions. A National Council standing committee acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that such claims should be supported by statistics, and stressed the need to balance inclusivity and diversity with merit and good performance.
Sources tell the Windhoek Observer that cleaners at the Social Security Commission earn approximately N$18,000 monthly, more than teachers on a cost-to-company basis, revealing a skewed remuneration structure as new leadership prepares salary reforms.
The Teachers Union of Namibia has raised concern that teachers' salaries are no longer keeping pace with the rising cost of living, warning that financial pressures are affecting educators' well-being, morale and the quality of education. The union noted that while the government's 5% salary increment for civil servants was intended to provide relief, many teachers have not felt the impact because increases in medical aid contributions to PSEMAS have consumed the additional income.
The Teachers Union of Namibia says many teachers are trapped in high-interest debt from loan companies, with some left with as little as N$500 after payroll deductions, in violation of Labour Act provisions capping deductions at one-third of remuneration. The union is calling for stricter enforcement of existing legislation and financial literacy programmes to address the crisis.
Bethuel Tjaveondja, addressing the Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development, called for stronger parliamentary oversight through direct engagement with institutions under the committee's portfolio, arguing that effective oversight requires more than examining reports and policy documents.
A parliamentary standing committee has launched public hearings on whether existing laws adequately protect citizens from exploitation by lending institutions and informal money lenders, prompted by rising indebtedness among households, particularly civil servants. The inquiry focuses on payday loans, which account for 82% of new loans issued by microlenders, and the payroll deduction system used in the public service, which may encourage excessive borrowing despite Labour Act provisions limiting total deductions to one-third of remuneration.
Three public service unions gathered at Omusati Regional Council to reject the government's 5% salary increase for civil servants and the "Vision April 2026" proposal requiring Psemas members to use only public health facilities. The unions argue the healthcare policy threatens worker rights and freedom of choice, and say the government failed to consult them before proposing changes that affect conditions of employment.
Unions representing civil servants, including the Teachers Union of Namibia and the Namibia Nurses Union, staged a nationwide strike on 20 March 2026 to protest government reforms to the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme requiring them to use public health facilities. The unions argue the directive will negatively affect working conditions, citing concerns over deteriorating state healthcare facilities.
Public servants and teachers plan to demonstrate on Friday against a 100% increase in Public Service Medical Aid Scheme contributions and a directive requiring treatment at public hospitals, calling it an Economic National Day of Action. The Teachers Union of Namibia says the presidential directive was implemented without consultation and violates basic employment conditions, though the education ministry has ordered schools to remain fully operational with staff attendance recorded.
Namibian public servants will stage a nationwide work pause on 20 March to protest a five percent salary increase and a presidential directive requiring them to use public health facilities. Teachers Union of Namibia Secretary General Mahongora Kavihuha said the action aims to highlight economic hardship and deliver petitions to regional governors and State House, while unions involved in wage negotiations face potential legal action.
The government will pay 100% of medical aid for civil servants from 1 April, removing a 5% levy previously charged to service providers, while civil servants and senior officials must use public hospitals. The change follows an agreement between public sector unions and the Cabinet, and includes salary increments of 5% for most grades effective 1 April this year, with a further 5% increase from 2027.
The Namibia National Teachers' Union's Rundu branch reported concluding negotiations with government for a 5% salary increase for teachers in the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 financial years, with no increase for 2025/2026, alongside increases in medical aid contributions. However, the Teachers Union of Namibia disputed the agreement, stating that any national-level salary deal must be publicly signed between recognized bargaining parties and that TUN has not been party to concluded negotiations.