Windhoek: The national chairperson of unemployed qualified teachers, Joyce Liswaniso, has voiced mixed feelings regarding the government's recent decision to fill approximately 660 teaching posts. Although the plan to recruit over 2,000 unemployed teachers and nurses has been announced, Liswaniso believes the efforts are insufficient in addressing the large number of unemployed educators.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the government has allocated N.dollars 151 million for 665 teaching positions and N.dollars 185 million for 1,537 health professionals. This plan was disclosed by the Minister of Finance in Parliament on 21 October during the presentation of the 2025/26 mid-year budget review. Liswaniso stated in an interview with Nampa, "I appreciate what the government did, but there are still a lot of unemployed teachers. The 665 posts are nothing compared to the number of qualified teachers who are unemployed and waiting for opportunities."

Reports indicate that there are nearly 15,000 unemployed educators across Namibia. Liswaniso, who has been at the forefront of demonstrations advocating for changes in teacher recruitment systems and the mass employment of teachers, hopes for more opportunities for educators in the future with improved planning and commitment from the government. She emphasized that education should remain a national priority.

Liswaniso highlighted the adverse effects long-term unemployment has had on teachers, resulting in various social and psychological challenges. She noted, "It has really affected a lot of people. Long-term unemployment has deeply impacted many teachers. Some are struggling to provide for their families, while others are facing emotional and mental challenges due to hopelessness and frustration."

She appealed to the government to consider implementing support programs, business grants, or counseling services for unemployed teachers, acknowledging the severe hardships they face. Liswaniso concluded by advising her fellow educators to remain engaged in productive activities to maintain their livelihoods and avoid idleness at home.