[ad_1]
A group of northern teachers have launched a petition and approached lawyer Kadhila Amoomo to challenge the decision of Ongwediwa Hashiyana Primary School to sack Petrus Ndeulita.
The 29-year-old teacher was fired last month on a charge of first-degree corporal punishment.
In 2021, Ndeulita forced a seventh-grader to hold a chair against his head for more than an hour as a form of punishment.
In October 2021, the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, wrote to Ndeulita through the school principal to inform him that he had been accused of misconduct.
After going through the formalities, Steenkamp wrote to Ndeulita in July through acting principal Agnes Nghipondoka, informing him that the Prime Minister’s Office had approved his dismissal from public office on the advice of the Public Service Commission. He was told: “The date you receive this letter will be your last working day.”
Ndeulita’s sacking sparked outrage across the country among many of his classmates, who have taken action to “help” him get his job back. Ndeulita told The Namibian Sun last week that the student was absent from school for 22 days before being punished.
support
Since his sacking, two WhatsApp groups have been created with the theme “Hashiyana Primary School unfair dismissal of Mr Peters”, each with more than 1,000 participants, the maximum number of members.
A petition has also been launched to reinstate Ndeulita and raise funds to pay for legal fees to help him fight his dismissal.
The petition reads in part: “We share the heartfelt story of Petrus Ndeulita, a fellow student of Petrus who was deeply affected by the harsh disciplinary measures implemented in our school. Without explanation or a fair hearing, Petrus was stripped of his position, which came at a great loss to him and our shared community.”
The teachers further wrote that there is no doubt that school discipline is crucial as it creates a good learning atmosphere and moulds learners.
The petition reads: “We believe Petrus should be given a fair chance to return to work, contribute to education, and make a living. Please sign this petition to show your support. Please support Petrus Ndeulita’s reinstatement and advocate for equity and justice in our schools. Please sign to ensure the rights of our fellow citizens at work are upheld.”
On Sunday, Amoomo confirmed that the teachers had contacted his company.
“Yes, we have started that process,” he said.
Unfair dismissal
Petrus Shigwedha, leader of the group protesting the ministry’s decision, confirmed that the petition would be forwarded to the Oshana school board next week and addressed to Steenkamp.
“We are convinced that our colleague was unfairly dismissed. We understand that the former principal, Amon Ndeitwa, who is currently posted at the Teacher Resource Centre in Ongwediva, had a direct influence and was behind the dismissal,” Shigwedha told The Namibian Sun in a telephone interview on Friday.
He claimed that there were allegations that the former principal of the school was close to Steenkamp and Ndeitwa allegedly showed people a conversation between him and Steenkamp regarding Ndeulita’s sacking.
“These are all fabricated stories that tarnish Ndeulita’s image. Even students at the school are planning a petition on Monday. If he is a bad teacher, why would students want him back in school? We will not give up on him and we are sure he will win this,” said Higweda.
Violation Penalties
Steenkamp told The Namibian Sun in a telephone interview that she had contact details of several school principals, so the presence of Ndwa was not a cause for concern.
She said: “I have no relationship with the principal other than a working relationship.”
Steenkamp said the fact that the case dates back to 2021 and was not concluded until 2024 shows due process was followed.
She said an internal preliminary investigation panel had been appointed and determined that a disciplinary hearing was required. This hearing was conducted by a full committee appointed for the independent investigation. A recommendation was then sent to the office of the executive director and subsequently to the office of the prime minister.
“The Public Service Commission will still review whether the recommended punishment fits the crime. I would never use my position or authority to harm anyone,” Steenkamp said.
Steenkamp also made it clear that this was not a decision she made personally, but one that was made after due process and she must follow it.
Steenkamp further explained that corporal punishment is prohibited under Namibian law and is contrary to the Namibian Constitution.
She said the victimized teachers could appeal to the court because Namibia was a democratic country.
Ndwa denied having any communication with Steenkamp beyond work interactions. He called the allegations “complete nonsense.”
[ad_2]
Source link
