RUNDU — At the launch of the Sanlam Annual Teachers Tournament in Rundu, the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) in Kavango East voiced concerns about the exclusion of teachers from wellness programs provided by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Petrus Kashumali, the regional chairperson for Nantu, highlighted the disparity during the event on Tuesday. Kashumali criticized the Ministry’s wellness initiatives, pointing out that such programs currently cater only to administrators and inspectors, leaving teachers without support. This discrepancy arises even as other public sectors like the police, army, and local government bodies regularly engage in employer-funded sports and wellness activities. Kashumali called for future inclusivity in the planning of these wellness programs, underscoring the importance of teacher participation.

Adding to the dialogue, Vaino Peter, the ministry’s acting inspector for the Rundu circuit, expressed his disappointment over the lack of local corporate sponsorship for teacher-related activities, particularly from banks that frequently handle teachers’ loan applications. In response, Christine Shilima, the regional Director of Education, acknowledged the critical role of wellness in the ministry’s strategic goals but deferred detailed comments to a forthcoming national meeting with Nantu representatives.