31 Aug 2023

Government remains committed to finding lasting solutions to challenges facing nurses and is ready at all times to work together with Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) to that end. Education and Skills Development minister, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said this when officiating on behalf of the health minister at the annual BONU general conference Wednesday. 

He made the statement against the backdrop of BONU members declining to dispense medicines as they argue they are not trained pharmacy personnel. “While we recognise the [importance] of the union [in advancing] the rights of your members, we must take cognisance of the fact that your obligation as essential service providers is the preservation of human life,” he said. He thus urged the union's leaders to temper their advocacy with realism and Botho whose ultimate aim was social harmony. 

Minister Letsholathebe informed delegates about the recently established Department of Nursing and Midwifery Services which he said was the brainchild of BONU. The new department would help to address various challenges relating to the professionalism and welfare of nurses and midwives, he said. 

His ministry, he said, recognised the need for human capital development not only for the domestic market but also for export. “My Ministry is committed to training of more nurses and other related professionals as the country transitions from a resource-based economy,” he said. Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) Acting Senior Director for Employee Relations, Mr Cheneso Maphorisa applauded both the government and the unions for the manner in which they had been dealing with issues of social dialogue and bargaining. Amongst the many agreements made was the five per cent salary adjustment for three consecutive years that started in 2022 and will run through to 2024, he said. 

“I also want to point out that there was an agreement to develop Human Resource policies so that we correct [them] and ensure that [those] that we develop are of best international practice,” he said. 

Mr Maphorisa also said the exercise to introduce a fan-shaped salary structure with wider intra-grade differentials to address stagnation, as well as development of conditions of service of public officers had started in earnest. 

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi commended nurses for their work. He gave BONU a pat on the back for having grown exponentially in both numbers and stature.

 “I have observed the growth of this union for the last six years. The Union has grown so profoundly and become aggressive and brave on matters concerning the welfare of the general membership,” he said and urged BONU to continue being the voice for the nurses without fear or favour. ENDS