05 Jul 2023

It is imperative for political leaders to frequently meet and consult with trade unions to forge a cordial working relationship, says Member of Parliament for Tati West, Mr Simon Moabi.

Mr Moabi who was addressing Botswana Public Employee Union (BOPEU) Masunga Branch convention recently noted that the union was aware of challenges faced by public officers hence they gathered to map a way forward.

He urged BOPEU members to remain united, cautioning them  that should they be divided, they would fail in any endeavour they anticipated undertaking to improve working conditions of members.

Mr Moabi said he was aware that accommodation remained a challenge for civil servants with married couples  sharing houses in some instances.

“We are looking on ways to solicit Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) to consider assisting with construction of houses in the district or if possible consider using Constituency Community Projects (CCP) funds to build LA2 houses,” he said.

Mr Moabi also encouraged residents and private sector to assist by building houses to rent them out to civil servants in order to cub shortage of accommodation.

He appreciated civil servants for their efforts in assisting communities despite shortage of transport.

“Sometimes you end up using your personal vehicle to ensure that government’s daily activities are carried out,” observed Tati West legislator.

The MP said he was aware that some officers had not yet been paid overtime worked during COVID-19 and further advised them to visit his office to find possible ways to address the issue.

“During the advent of COVID, you were on the forefront working day and night and you were commended for the hard work you rendered, as such, you should be paid your dues not in the form of days offs but in cash,” he said.

For his part, BOPEU Chairperson-Masunga Branch, Mr Tambona Japi said challenges of accommodation had led to some officers commuting from as far as Francistown which was expensive and risky.

He advised public servants to avoid misconduct at work as it could lead to them being dismissed from work. 

“You must observe all work ethics and abide by the Public Service Act,” he said.

“Refusal of lawful orders is regarded as insubordination and punishable by law,” he said adding that stealing was not allowed in the work place. Mr Japi said all these could result in poverty for the families of perpetrators as a result of loss of employment,

He also said cases of gender based violence (GBV) were on the rise, adding that discriminating against gays, lesbians and others was a form of GBV and would not be tolerated. ENDs