Martin Endjala
The Secretary to the National Council, Advocate Tousy Namiseb, says it has become a tendency for Namibians in various sectors to violate the constitution. Namiseb singled out Teachers and school Principals who send learners back home for failing to pay development funds or voluntary contributions, saying it does not make sense to have a free-education-for-all policy when learners and parents continue to suffer in that regard.
He has since expressed his dismay at the manner in which the Constitution is being interpreted. Namiseb is of the opinion that the Namibian Constitution, as the fundamental law, is an inspiring instrument that reaffirms the natural rights of all Namibians.
He reiterated that the Constitution allows for free education for every child, aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children.
“What does it help us to have the right to free and compulsory primary education when so many children are sent away from schools because parents are unable to pay school development funds or the so-called voluntary contribution?,”Namiseb questioned.
He is of the view that the Constitution must be transformed into a living reality, adding that Namibians should all be reminded and inspired by the Constitution in order to give practical effect to the rights enshrined therein.
Earlier this year at an Education Summit organized by the Landless People’s Movement, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Education Sanet Steenkamp reiterated that the voluntary fee is not compulsory as it is being perceived by the public.
“It is rather to support schools where they are falling short,” she said at the time.
Steenkamp urged schools to submit their financial reports to avoid their budgeted funds from being delayed, a situation, she described as unacceptable.
She stated that the earlier the schools complete their financial reports, the earlier school funds will be availed to them, and there won’t be a need to force parents to pay fees.
Steenkamp, however, said that as the custodian entrusted with education, no child will be denied education, and warned parents who are robbing their children from getting educated to refrain from this behavior and mend their attitude or they too will be held accountable.
