03 Dec 2015

The former general secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Mr Zwelinzima Vavi has called for independent, united and worker controlled trade unions.

Addressing members of Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) during the third BOPEU congress in Palapye, Mr Vavi said unions were formed to represent workers hence they should revisit the principles that their movement was founded upon.

He said they should ensure that those principles were followed to build a strong, independent, democratic and determined BOPEU. He raised concern over the splitting and fragmentation of trade unions.

He said the biggest threat to unions’ independence was close political relationships which he said divides and fragments unions. He said whilst the tragedy was unfolding, workers were in a perilous economic and social crisis.

Mr Vavi further said workers movements in the SADC region were becoming more fragmented, weak and bureaucratic.

He noted that union density was on the decline, and that at the same time unions and federations were being created, adding that in Botswana membership of unions was at 10 per cent of the workforce.

He highlighted that some union leaders were in business and use worker’s money which has been invested in trusts to enrich themselves.

However, he commended BOPEU for a formidable reputation across the region, as it has worked hard to provide services for its membership.

He said BOPEU has been visionary, especially in using members money to enhance social provision and ensuring that its resources were used wisely and in a transparent manner.

He said it appears that BOPEU has been able to maintain its independence and has not allowed politicians to pollute it.

He, however, warned BOPEU to guard against forces that would try influence them, adding that “they will try and blunt your militancy and undermine your independence and internal democracy. Ends