Teachers, public servants to demonstrate against medical aid contribution increase, use of state hospitals

Teachers and public servants are planning to demonstrate on Friday against the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme 100% contribution increase, as well as the directive to be treated at public hospitals.

In what is called an Economic National Day of Action, public servants will also be demonstrating against the 5% salary increment proposed by the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) and the government.

The demonstration will take place at the Angolan Embassy in Ausspanplatz in Windhoek.

Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha told The Namibian the 100% employee medical aid contribution directive by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration has been done without consultation.

“The presidential directive for public servants to be treated at public health facilities is a direct violation of the basic conditions of employment. We have observed that since the eighth administration came into office, all decisions having a direct impact on the general public are implemented through directives or instructions from the president without any consultation or social dialogue process, and this one is not an exception,” he says.

TEACHERS EXPECTED AT SCHOOL

Education executive director Erastus Haintegela has issued a directive to school principals to ensure that all staff members are at their respective stations and to record staff attendance.

Haintegela says Friday is a normal working day, and schools must ensure minimal disruption to parents and guardians

“The day in question does not fall within an out-weekend or a declared long weekend in the official school calendar. No directive has been issued by the ministry to suspend teaching and learning activities.

“School principles are directed to ensure that all staff members are at their respective duty stations and that the attendance of all staff will be duly recorded,” he says.

All schools are expected to remain open and fully operational and pupils are required to attend classes as scheduled.

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