Teachers petition in support of fired colleague

A group of northern teachers has launched a petition and approached lawyer Kadhila Amoomo to challenge the dismissal of Petrus Ndeulita from Hashiyana Primary School in Ongwediva.

The 29-year-old teacher was fired last month after being found guilty of first-degree corporal punishment.

In 2021, Ndeulita forced a grade seven learner to hold a chair over his head for over an hour as a form of punishment.

In October 2021, education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp wrote to Ndeulita through his school principal, informing him that he had been charged with misconduct.

Following a formal process, Steenkamp wrote to Ndeulita in July, through acting principal Agnes Nghipondoka, informing him that the Office of the Prime Minister – on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission – had approved his discharge from the public service. “Your last working day will be the date you receive this letter,” he was informed.

Ndeulita’s dismissal has sparked nationwide outrage among many of his peers, who have taken steps to “help him fight" to get his job back. He told Namibian Sun last week that the punishment was administered after the learner had been absent from school for 22 days.



Support

Since his dismissal, two WhatsApp groups titled ‘Unfair dismissal of Mr Petrus of Hashiyana Primary School’ have been created, each with over 1 000 participants, the maximum number of members possible.

A petition was also launched to have Ndeulita reinstated, and funds have been raised to cover legal fees to help him fight the dismissal.

The petition reads in part: “We share the heartfelt story of Petrus Ndeulita, a fellow citizen severely impacted by the strict disciplinary measures executed at our schools. Without explanation or fair hearing, Petrus was stripped from his position, leading to a significant loss for him and our shared community.”

The teachers further wrote that there is no doubt that school discipline is vital, as it encourages a conducive learning atmosphere and moulds learners.

“We believe that a fair chance should be given to Petrus to return to his work, contribute to the education sector, and maintain his livelihood. Please show your support by signing this petition. Stand for the reinstatement of Petrus Ndeulita and advocate for fairness and justice in our schools today. Sign to ensure the preservation of our fellow citizen's rights at work,” the petition reads.

On Sunday, Amoomo confirmed that the teachers had approached his firm.

“Yes, we have already commenced with the process," he said.



‘Unfairly dismissed’

Petrus Shigwedha, a leader of the group petitioning the ministry’s decision, confirmed the petition would be handed over to the Oshana education directorate during the coming week and that it is addressed to Steenkamp.

“We are confident in this case that our colleague was unfairly dismissed. We understand that the former principal, Amon Ndeitwa, who is now placed at the teacher resource centre in Ongwediva, had direct influence and is behind this dismissal,” Shigwedha told Namibian Sun in a telephonic interview on Friday.

He claimed there are allegations that the school’s former principal has strong connections to Steenkamp, with Ndeitwa allegedly having shown people conversations between him and Steenkamp on the topic of Ndeulita's dismissal.

“These are cooked-up stories which are tarnishing the image of Ndeulita. Even learners at the school are planning to petition on Monday. If he was a terrible teacher, why would learners want him back at the school? We will not give up on him, and we are confident he will win this,” Shigwedha said.



Unlawful punishment

Steenkamp told Namibian Sun in a phone interview that she has contact details for many school principals, and having Ndeitwa’s shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

“I do not have a relationship with the said principal except a professional one,” she said.

Steenkamp said the case dates back to 2021 and was only concluded in 2024, demonstrating that due process was followed.

She said an internal preliminary investigation team was appointed and identified the need for a disciplinary hearing. This hearing was conducted by a full committee appointed for an independent investigation. A recommendation was then sent to the executive director's office and later to the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The public service commission still scrutinises if the punitive measures recommended are in line with the offense. I will never use my authority or power to bring harm to any person,” Steenkamp said.

Steenkamp also made it clear that this was not a decision she made personally, but one that followed due process and that she was required to enforce.

Steenkamp further explained that corporal punishment is banned by the country’s laws and is against the Namibian Constitution.

She said the aggrieved teacher can approach the courts to appeal, as Namibia is a democratic country.

Ndeitwa denied having any communication with Steenkamp other than professional interactions. He described the accusations as “absolute nonsense.”

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