Dismissed teacher has history of 14 related cases – Steenkamp

A teacher that was recently dismissed for administering corporal punishment on a pupil has a history of similar cases.

Petrus Ndeulita, a teacher from Hashiyana Primary School at Ongwediva, allegedly forced a Grade 7 pupil to hold a chair over his head for over an hour in 2021.

Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture executive director Sanet Steenkamp on Tuesday said Ndeulita’s personal record revealed a history of 14 similar reported cases.

This indicates a habitual pattern of behaviour, she noted.

“This therefore means that this is not the first time that Ndeulita has indulged in such prohibited actions. It should be emphasised that the ministry remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct at all times and ensuring that all disciplinary processes are conducted with utmost fairness and justice,” she said.

Some teachers demonstrated against Ndeulita’s dismissal at Ongwediva on Friday, calling for his immediate reinstatement after he was found guilty of corporal punishment.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Steenkamp said an investigation report on Ndeulita was received by the ministry through its regional office on 25 October 2021.
The report detailed the “unacceptable behaviour or corporal punishment” used by Ndeulita.

“The report was thoroughly reviewed, taking into account all evidence presented, including Ndeulita’s own account of the events. Based on the findings, Ndeulita was charged with misconduct for administering corporal punishment to a pupil at Hashiyana Primary School,” Steenkamp said.

According to Steenkamp, the disciplinary committee made its recommendations based on the findings, which were presented to the Public Service Commission for approval by the prime minister.

“This process is based on checks and balances. Ndeulita lodged an appeal to the prime minister through the Public Service Commission, however, his appeal was not successful. The ministry subsequently communicated the outcome of the considered decision of the prime minister to Ndeulita,” she said.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Steenkamp said an investigation report on Ndeulita was received by the ministry through its regional office on 25 October 2021.
The report detailed the “unacceptable behaviour or corporal punishment” used by Ndeulita.

“The report was thoroughly reviewed, taking into account all evidence presented, including Ndeulita’s own account of the events. Based on the findings, Ndeulita was charged with misconduct for administering corporal punishment to a pupil at Hashiyana Primary School,” Steenkamp said.

According to Steenkamp, the disciplinary committee made its recommendations based on the findings, which were presented to the Public Service Commission for approval by the prime minister.

“This process is based on checks and balances. Ndeulita lodged an appeal to the prime minister through the Public Service Commission, however, his appeal was not successful. The ministry subsequently communicated the outcome of the considered decision of the prime minister to Ndeulita,” she said.

FACTORS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE
Steenkamp said Ndeulita was given a chance to state his case “during which he portrayed unbecoming and unruly behaviour”.

“In that, he refused to acknowledge the charge sheet. This is viewed as undermining authority, especially considering his knowledge and awareness of the fact that administering corporal punishment is a chargeable offence.

“Although Ndeulita cited a lack of knowledge as a mitigating factor, there is evidence on his personal file that he had signed an oath against corporal punishment on 2 April 2019, shortly after his recruitment as a teacher,” Steenkamp said.

PROCEDURAL
Steenkamp maintained that Ndeulita’s matter was carefully and procedurally addressed and that the due process of all enabling legislation was followed.

“Should Ndeulita be of the view that he was unfairly dismissed, he has the liberty to seek further redress of the matter through any competent court of law,” Steenkamp said.

DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN
Education minister Anna Nghipondoka called on parents to discipline their children at home and teach them to respect elders and teachers at schools.

Nghipondoka made this plea at an engagement meeting with the teachers, principals, senior education officers and inspectors at Mwadikange Kaulinge Secondary School at Ondobe in the Ohangwena region last week.

Nghipondoka advised schools to have a code of conduct to ensure pupils behave well.

“Pupils should listen to their teachers. Pupils should respect their teachers the same way they respect their parents at home,” Nghipondoka said.

NO MORE DISCIPLINE
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani earlier this month expressed his support for Ndeulita’s reinstatement on social media.

“If this teacher lost his job through letting a student hold a chair and nothing else or any other impropriety, then truth be told he must get his job back. Discipline of our children has deteriorated to a point that it affects societal behaviour,” Venaani said.

He noted that Ndeulita must rather be given a warning.