Unemployed teachers call for change in recruitment practices

Chairperson of the unemployed qualified teachers, Joyce Liswaniso, urges fellow unemployed teachers to remain steadfast in their fight against unemployment.

This comes after around 100 teachers turned up for a demonstration but dispersed after being instructed not to hold the protest at the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture in Windhoek on Tuesday.

The group previously held a protest on 8 July, after which the ministry responded that the government was unable to implement mass recruitment and abolish interviews.

They submitted a petition demanding the abolition of interviews and the implementation of mass recruitment.

Liswaniso stresses that they were not afraid of interviews, but highlights the financial burden caused by interview requirements, such as travel and accommodation expenses, while they do not have a source of income.

She also appeals to the government to provide them with employment in the public service.

Liswaniso on Tuesday called on fellow teachers to remain steadfast, resilient and not lose hope.

“We must just continue fighting so that maybe, by God’s grace, maybe the ministry will give a positive answer one day,” said Liswaniso.

Speaking at the same event, the vice chairperson, Ndahambelela Kamati, added that people leaving the demonstration felt frustration, disappointment and depressed.

Receiving the petition, ministry of education executive director Gerard Vries said the ministry would provide feedback to the group at a meeting scheduled for 19 September.

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