25 Feb 2015

The Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) is in the process of appointing an independent facilitator to chair the negotiations that hopefully will be completed before the beginning of the financial year.

Briefing the press in Gaborone on February 24, director of the Directorate of Public Service Management, Ms Ruth Maphorisa said  the current chairperson of the council, Mr Modiri Mbaakanyi will be unable to continue with the job because of ill health.  Ms Maphorisa said, notwithstanding, the negotiations for the year 2015/16 had kick-started, with the recent adoption of rules of engagement.

Ms Maphorisa further noted that it was important for both parties to observe and respect the rules of the negotiations in order to maintain a calm environment during negotiations. “Whatever decisions are reached during the negotiations, the council will determine what should be communicated with you,” she said.

Ms Maphorisa could not pre-empt the details of the current negotiations, stating that there were communication channels with regards to whom and what should be communicated to the public. ENDS