Teachers Still In The Dark

I AM concerned that two months have passed in the year 2006 and yet nothing is being said about teachers’ salaries.

Where has it ended? Not even feedback have we received after our long and bitter march that took place last year. Where can we refer these questions? Nantu or Government? Please, we need feedback.We marched for our rights and we cannot just be left in the dark like this.Even Nantu, which ordered us to march, has not given us any results of either the march or the subsequent meeting with the Government.What do they think we are? Dogs or kids? They must say something about our salaries and whatever agreement they have come to.It is getting late and the teachers want to do their budgeting but are just on hold because there is still not sufficient information as to whether salaries will be increased or not.The information we have is not trustworthy, as it came from individuals’ mouths.We need proper information! Another comment I would like to make is about the meeting by all educational stakeholders that would take place in May as recently announced by the Education Minister.It is of course very important that such a step is taken, but very late.A lot of Namibians are already in the streets because they failed Grade 10 or 12, and a lot of disgusting words have been said about teachers.Wounds are very painful, but I hope if they meet and come to constructive resolutions, the wounds will be healed.They must just make sure that they agree to useful amendments.Dr Farman OkahaoWhere can we refer these questions? Nantu or Government? Please, we need feedback.We marched for our rights and we cannot just be left in the dark like this.Even Nantu, which ordered us to march, has not given us any results of either the march or the subsequent meeting with the Government.What do they think we are? Dogs or kids? They must say something about our salaries and whatever agreement they have come to.It is getting late and the teachers want to do their budgeting but are just on hold because there is still not sufficient information as to whether salaries will be increased or not.The information we have is not trustworthy, as it came from individuals’ mouths.We need proper information! Another comment I would like to make is about the meeting by all educational stakeholders that would take place in May as recently announced by the Education Minister.It is of course very important that such a step is taken, but very late.A lot of Namibians are already in the streets because they failed Grade 10 or 12, and a lot of disgusting words have been said about teachers.Wounds are very painful, but I hope if they meet and come to constructive resolutions, the wounds will be healed.They must just make sure that they agree to useful amendments.Dr Farman Okahao