Steenkamp flags teacher absenteeism as root of poor performance in ||Kharas region

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has raised serious concerns over the high rate of teacher absenteeism in the ||Kharas Region, citing it as a major factor behind poor school performance outcomes in the region.

Speaking during a meeting with ||Kharas regional governor Aletha Frederick, Steenkamp said the lack of accountability, particularly from school management and teachers, is having a detrimental impact on learner outcomes.

“One of the key issues contributing to underperformance in this region is the gross absenteeism of school management and, especially, teachers,” she said.

Steenkamp stressed that accountability structures must be strengthened, both in deep rural schools and urban areas. She added that if human resources were to provide a summary of teacher absenteeism, it would reveal numerous incomplete administrative processes and a general lack of follow-through.

“I hold our teachers in high regard, but we can no longer turn a blind eye to the realities in our classrooms,” she said.

The minister also pointed out a recurring pattern where teachers, particularly those working in ||Kharas but residing in faraway regions, take leave to travel home to areas such as Omusati and Katima Mulilo.

She noted that the extended travel time, often taking several days, leaves learners unattended for long periods.

“Leave must be negotiated and approved, it cannot be taken informally or simply announced via a message,” she warned.

Steenkamp urged principals and school inspectors to enforce policies and take corrective action against unauthorised absences, including among school leaders themselves.

She further addressed the issue of “time on task,” highlighting the importance of teacher self-evaluation tools. According to the minister, teachers are required to annually assess their teaching goals and learner performance expectations.

These include setting clear academic targets, for instance, aiming for 86% of learners to achieve an A grade and only a small percentage falling into lower categories.