20 Aug 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has described democracy as a key national pillar that his government is committed to realising.

Welcoming a Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) delegation to the Office of the President yesterday, President Masisi said the realisation of democratic principles included open dialogue on matters of national concern with the country’s trade unions.

The meeting, a follow up to a recent meet and greet luncheon the President had with the country’s unions, provided a platform for further exchange of ideas, President Masisi said further underlining the importance of such cooperation.

“I heartily welcome you for a first formal encounter following the informal yet pleasant meeting we had. I am keen to often have a chat with unions since I am deeply committed to the cardinal principles of democracy, which include an unflinching commitment to unionism and press freedom, and as such it is important that we regularly have dialogue on issues of national interest,” he said.

The President urged the union leadership to work with government on improving industrial relations and labour productivity to boost economic development.

“The government is committed to empowering workers and do not be surprised if we overcome you as the union of choice. We must work together, display our commitment to citizens of this country, understand the inputs, that is the cost of labour, and the outputs, that is work production and work out how we can best address labour empowerment and production,” Mr Masisi said.

President Masisi promised to be liberal in giving the union a platform to exchange views on issues of concern to the union.

The delegation, led by BFTU president Mr Bahithetswe Lentswe, included the entire executive leadership of the union. ENDS