21 Aug 2018

Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) has hailed President Mokgweetsi Masisi for his open door policy, expressing hope that the recent platforms he provided for dialogue are indicative of better working relations into the future.

BFTU secretary general Mr Thusang Butale welcomed the commitment by President Masisi to engage a wide range of stakeholders including trade unions.

In an interview after the BFTU executive committee paid a courtesy call on President Masisi on August 20, Mr Butale said the gesture was a telltale that the best was yet to come.

For his part, BFTU president, Mr Bohithetswe Lentswe said the platform provided them with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics on areas of national interest among others, the education system, social protection, national tripartite social dialogue, labour justice system and corruption.

He said BFTU was currently monitoring court cases relating to loss of millions of pula from public funds adding that they had noted President Masisi’s commitment to eliminate corrupt practices within government institutions.

“We also advised His Excellency to look at the issue of parastatal board members who have been there far too long in some instances over 30 years and life time CEOs,” he said.

Mr Bohithetswe said the Whistle Blowing Act was a step in the right direction in the fight against mismanagement, misuse of public goods and the fight against corruption.

He said BFTU engaged Mr Masisi about the high number of retrenchments over the past two years at National Development Bank, Botswana Power Corporation and commercial banks. 

He also said a high number of people had lost jobs at Kalahari Breweries, BCL as well as Botswana Housing Corporation.

He said as a result of the retrenchments, there was low job security in Botswana.

He said they also told the President that minimum wage did not match living expenses leading to the poor workforce, which he said contributed to disillusioned workers.

BFTU is the national trade union federation founded in 1977 and it represents unions covering all sectors of the economy and currently has 25 affiliates.

Botswana Government Workers Union (BOGOWU) also paid courtesy call on President Masisi for a meet and greet session and further exchange of ideas.

BOGOWU secretary general, Mr Kaboda Phillip said they discussed a wide range of issues which included arbitrary administrative decision making, corruption, nepotism and ways to improve industrial relations and labour productivity to boost economic development. ENDS