09 Mar 2020

The Minister of Basic Education, Mr Fidelis Molao, has implored teachers to refrain from making provocative remarks to learners.

He made the plea during a meeting with teaching and non-teaching staff at Ghanzi Senior Secondary School recently. 

Mr Molao said though they did not tolerate indiscipline perpetrated by learners, teachers should also refrain from making provocative remarks towards pupils. 

Citing a Madiba Senior Secondary School student/teacher confrontation that went viral on social media as a case in point, he said though stern punishment was meted on the perpetrator, his future was now shattered and he would be a burden on society in future. 

He said some families had broken down and consequently, some looked to schools to mould their children, adding ‘let us try to mould them to be responsible citizens’.

He also warned teachers against being entangled in student/teacher love relationships. 

Mr Molao said there were misgivings from some parents that only pupils faced the music, while teachers, who were at times at fault, remain untouched.

He urged ministry employees to change image of the ministry, saying they were viewed negatively, stressing that ‘we are viewed as poor performers, wasteful, we are known for all negative adjectives’. 

Director of education for Ghanzi region, Dr Mpho Isaiah, appreciated Ghanzi senior and Kgaphamadi primary schools’ academic performances.

“We wish Ghanzi not to be used as a dumping site for difficult people. It should not be used as an area to punish unmanageable people,” Dr Isaiah stated, adding that the area must be given special treatment.

Teaching staff representative, Mr Johannes Kahuku, lamented shortage of textbooks. 

He said overstaying of teachers was also another challenge, revealing that once transferred to Ghanzi, a teacher may stay for over 10 years, something that led to poor performance due to demoralisation. 

Mr Kahuku also expressed concern that senior teachers at primary schools were not paid like their counterparts in secondary schools. 

A representative for non-teaching staff, Ms Alice Moutswi lamented lack of progression, adding that some officers have been on the same scale for too long, which she said was demoralising.

She also lamented lack of accommodation for non-teaching staff.  Ms Moutswi said drivers had also requested that government vehicles be insured. ends