The Director of Education in the Kavango East Region, Christine Shilima, has raised concerns over the high rate of suicide cases among teachers countrywide.

Shilima spoke at a Rundu Circuit Teachers Seminar recently held at Andreas Kandjimi Primary School in Rundu.

"The issue of concern is of suicidal staff members, particularly teachers; they are committing suicide. If we can conduct ordinary research, the findings will boil back towards lifestyle and stress in our lives caused either by ourselves, family members or by our colleagues at the workplace. But psychologists are saying, 'Set your own boundaries in life. When you say no, no one should force you to explain why you are saying no."

Shilima urged teachers to adhere to the code of conduct and guidelines set by the government in a professional manner.

"To us who are in the public service, we need to be loyal to our government. Our employer is the Office of the Prime Minister. We are expected to be loyal. What does it mean to be loyal? When you are loyal, you don't criticise openly. If you are not happy, there are procedures which you have to follow to launch your complaints. If you are a staff member at your school, first you go to the principal. If your principal did not handle it to your satisfaction, you go to your inspector. You don't just decide on that particular day that you are calling a conference, as a teacher. That is unacceptable conduct for a staff member in the government. We are going to act against staff members who do not conform to the standard set by the government.

Chairperson of the Namibia National Teachers' Union (NANTU) in the Kavango East Region, Petrus Kashumali urged teachers to refrain from alcohol abuse and maintain professionalism.

Kashumali further directed principals to follow necessary guidelines when dealing with cases of misconduct and to offer the parties the necessary mental support while recognising their contributions.

"Please, teachers, reduce, reduce. Why do you have to go to New World when you know tomorrow is work? Why? Even if you have to go there, why do you have to drink on the highest level when you know tomorrow is work? Reduce; if I say stop, it will not be fine, but reduce. Let us respect our work. So, we are encouraging principals; please let us try to develop these people. Let us try to assist them."