Teachers' day marred by tension

Confusion and tension have marred today's World Teachers' Day commemorations as government continues to face the heat from disgruntled teachers' union leaders who accuse them of being insensitive to their plight.

While government is consulting its lawyers on whether to replace teachers who go on strike with volunteers as the 13 October date for the commencement of the industrial action draws near, the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) has threatened to go to court if the employer decides to replace the teachers. Nantu's argument is based on Section 76 of the Labour Act of 2007 which prohibits the replacing of striking workers.