05 Dec 2017

Teachers have been called upon to remain sober and advocate without compromising for collective bargaining.

The call was made by the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia during Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) 80th Anniversary Regional Celebrations in Kanye on Saturday.

The Kanye North lawmaker said however that in their quest to advocate for their general welfare, it was incumbent for teachers to tread carefully lest they get caught in the web of partisan politics. “Tread the thin line between partisan politics and organised labour advocacy with the shrewdness of a shepherd who took you from 1937 to date,” he said.

That withstanding, Mr Ralotsia gave BTU a pat on the back for having come so long; a feat he attributed to patience by both the unions’ leadership and general membership. He thus said it was vital for the general membership to find inspiration in the prolonged existence of the union which exuded a vision as clear as day.

Botswana Meat Commission cchief executive officer, Dr Akolang Tombale advised against mushrooming of teachers unions’ all over the place, saying the development defeated the very purpose such entities were established. According to Dr Tombale, not only does proliferation of multiple teachers’ unions weaken bargaining power for teachers, but takes unions’ eyes off the ball, which is advocacy for the welfare of general membership.

He also shared Mr Ralotsia’s sentiments, saying unions should try as much as they possibly can to remain apolitical. On others, Dr Tombale said a surge in technological advancement, mushrooming of private schools and other such challenges to the teaching fraternity requires teachers to take it upon themselves and develop necessary skills to remain relevant.

Botswana Teachers Union veteran, Mr Toro Mosimakoko was happy that the union had grown remarkably from the then Bechuanaland Protectorate African Teachers Association to its current status; an achievement he said came about due to selflessness on the part of teachers who fought for the betterment of the conditions of the teaching profession.

Botswana Teachers Union leader, Mr Johannes Tshukudu concurred with Mr Mosimakoko saying the union has grown substantially as a result of selflessness of founding members.

He promised general membership that as long as he was at the helm, BTU would in no way cow to pressure, let alone be derailed from its advocacy role.

“As for you members, the future of our great nature is in your hands and I would like you to recommit to your obligation to teach students with honour, respect and dignity.
Leave the issue of welfare to the Union,” he said.

The anniversary was held under the theme; BTU in Celebration of 80 Years of Achievement, Challenges and Vision Beyond 100 Years of Labour Advocacy and Protection. BOPA