Concerned parents from Omaheke Region's Omitara settlement held a demonstration against alleged corrupt activities at Otjivero Combined School.

The concerned parents had a list of allegations ranging from a drop in academic performance and unprofessionalism from the school staff to mismanaging school funds.

The parents are also calling for the removal of the school principal.

"The school is gambling with our kids' future. Two schoolgirls fell pregnant, and nothing has been done to all the supervisors that were in charge of our kids during 2022. Only people who are in his favour are getting employment, even if you don't qualify for that position. Teachers are staying away from school even for a week, and our kids are just walking around in the location," said Albert Haimbilie, speaking on behalf of the parents.

The parents are also taking issue with how recent interviews for vacant positions at the school were conducted.

"We, as the concerned people of Omitara, are asking your office to put the vacancies on hold until we get clarity on the points before the school resumes for the second term because we are tired of the fact that only people who are in favour of Nunuheb must get employment and the rest must suffer. We also want him removed from the school in peace. If we don't get our feedback before school resumes, our kids will not go to school until we get clarity."

After receiving the petition from the concerned group, the Acting Regional Director of Education in Omaheke, Constance Wantenaar, promised to provide feedback after the holidays.

"I would like to make a clarion call on the parents not to withhold their learners at home. Please send your learners to school. Let us not deprive them of education. Now that we have the midterm break, I will also make sure that we resolve this issue now during the midterm break so we can come up with an answer for you before the schools open."

Wantenaar told the group that she will make sure the petition receives the attention of the Executive Director, adding that an independent investigation will be launched into the allegations made.

Otjivero Combined School was established about 27 years ago. It currently has 19 teachers and more than 530 learners.

The school, which has a hostel accommodating close to 150 learners, caters for pre-primary until grade nine.