21 Apr 2013

The multiplicity of unions in the region has posed a challenge to the unions, says the Southern African Teachers Organisation (SATO) president, Mr Henry Kapenda.

Officiating at the 3rd Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) Congress in Francistown ’ Mr Kapenda said failure by unions to become partners delayed progress, and that they should instead  be seen as partners in order to achieve their mandates.

Mr Kapenda said SATO’s main objective was formerly for the liberation struggle but since the liberation struggle was over, it was aimed at building strong unions in the region through solidarity.

On other issues, he decried political interference in the union matters which, he said, was characterised by empty promises that are made at the time of elections.

“Politicians use teachers as a campaign tool because at the time of elections they promise them things that after being voted to the political office they never implement,” he said.

Mr Kapenda, who is also the president of the Zambian National Teachers Association lamented that poor salaries have led to industrial strikes across the region.

He explained that while on one hand SATO does not support anarchy, it on the other hand supports what is best for teachers.

He said the theme of the congress was only a dream if teachers still had low salaries, work long hours and teach under trees.

“Quality education must start with caring for the educators, provision of proper infrastructure and teaching aids,” he stressed.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi applauded those who led unions in an era when unionisation was still considered outlawed. He said in his view, conditions of teachers were still appalling and the government has taken too long to respond.

Mr Mmolotsi said one of his priorities when he was voted into Parliament was to help in ensuring that the government addresses issues affecting teachers.

He told the congress that since 2010, he has through a number of motions and questions tried to push for that change. He assured teachers that he will continue to engage the government in issues that affect them until solutions are found.

The BTU outgoing president, Mr Kobamelo Kgabeng said a number of issues affecting teachers have been resolved as a result of the role played by BTU.

He also pointed out that recently, the relationship between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and BTU has improved.

The congress was attended by representatives of unions from Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and those from sister unions locally. ENDS