Oshikoto education deputy director Tomas Kalimbo has warned teachers that on-duty intoxication and substance abuse will lead to disciplinary action to maintain public service integrity.
Kalimbo issued the warning during the Onathinge circuit’s annual staff conference held at the Ondangwa Trade Fair Hall on Friday.
The theme was ‘From Stress to Strength: Financial and Emotional Resilience at Work’.
Kalimbo expressed concern over reports that some teachers arrive at school visibly intoxicated, and that in certain cases, individuals reportedly leave the school premises during breaks to drink alcohol or use illicit substances before returning to their duties.
“Teachers must at all times behave in a manner that maintains or enhances the reputation of the public service and the schools they serve,” he said.
He stressed the importance of integrity, instructing teachers to promptly report any observed incidents of corruption, nepotism, maladministration, or other misconduct they might encounter while performing their official duties.
Kalimbo reminded teachers to comply promptly with all lawful orders and directives issued by people in authority and urged them to conduct their private lives responsibly, ensuring that personal choices do not negatively affect their professional performance or effectiveness.
“Conduct your private lives in such a manner that it will not impact your ability to perform official duties. Ineffectiveness resulting from fatigue, the abuse of alcohol or drugs, or their after-effects, will not be tolerated,” he said.
Kalimbo emphasised that teachers are expected to remain fully committed to their responsibilities throughout official working hours and to uphold acceptable standards of conduct both inside and outside the school environment.
This commitment, he said, is essential to fostering a positive learning atmosphere and maintaining public trust in the education system.
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