Educarers from Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions have made public their dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, who they say have been brazenly underpaying them.

The group took to the streets, upset at the Ministry's decision to pay them a monthly payment of N$1,500, despite years of discussion dating back to 2012. 

The offer of N$1,500 came into effect in July this year, but the infant caretakers say it is too little, considering the high cost of living. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Uazenga Katjimune says they also deal with a heavy workload, which is not sustainable unless remuneration can be increased.

"Therefore we are strongly appealing to the ministry of gender equality to relook and increase the amount to N$5,000, or at least to be paid on a grading structure with additional benefits such as transport and housing allowances, which in this case will be at grade 13, to enable us to be formerly paid like any other government employee. Because we have education on our shoulders."

The group says they feel sidelined and neglected and want opportunities to be employed. 

They handed over the petition to the Oshana Governor Elia Irimari, who promised to hand it over to the Minister of Gender, Doreen Sioka.