01 Jul 2020

Tour guides have assured Botswana Safari Guides Union (BOSAGU) interim committee of their commitment and support in driving the union’s mandate.

The union would organise guides in the tourism industry across the country in order to enhance their economic, social and health welfare.

Tour guides welcomed formation of the union saying it would  help tackle challenges surrounding the tourism industry.

They aired their views during a meeting to introduce the union.

They complained that their profession was not taken seriously even though they continued to contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the tourism industry.

They stated that they had been exploited and believed that the union would represent their interests.

For his part, BOSAGU co-founder, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo, urged tour guides to leave politics out of the union so that they could negotiate with sober minds.

He was the first interim committee chairperson and he resigned after accepting a political office. Mr Motlaleselo is the councillor for Bojanala ward.

He appreciated that some tour guides were members of Botswana Guides Association (BOGA), but the duo had different functions.

The union interim chairperson, Mr Baefisia Sango, appealed to tour guides to join the union in large numbers, noting that the union was driven by membership.

Currently, he said, the union could not represent them because they were not legitimate members.

To be recognised by companies, Mr Sango said the union should at least have a third of membership in a certain company to represent them.  ENDS