04 Sep 2023

Union movements in the country continue to champion innovative policies and investments which aid them to better advance their members’ interests, MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has said.

Giving a keynote address at Botswana Public Service Employee Union (BOPEU) Francistown Open Day on Friday, he said trade unions such as BOPEU now had investment wings, noting Babereki investment, which helped run the business affairs of the movement.

He said unlike in the past, trade unions now were champions of their members’ interests because they advocated for policies and programmes benefiting members, such as better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Mr Mmolotsi indicated that unlike in the past, today’s trade unions are innovative in their organising and bargaining strategies, using new technology, social media, and other tools to increase their effectiveness.

“They also support initiatives that promote economic development and innovation in their industries,” he said.

Furthermore, the MP commended BOPEU for championing introduction of an insurance broker; Babereki Insurance Brokers (BIB) to serve members

“That is indeed a milestone that the union has achieved to better the lives of its members.”

Mr Mmolotsi further stated that BOPEU was also assisting its members to further their education by offering them bursaries at a minimal cost.

He noted that recently, BOPEU had been advertising housing units in Mmopane for its members to buy, thereby advocating for home ownership upon retirement. He appealed to BOPEU members to take advantage of all these opportunities and change their lives for the better.

The MP also talked about the negative impact that Gender Based Violence (GBV) and drug and substance abuse bring to humanity. He said GBV was another pandemic perpetrated by both men and women. He said it was high time that Batswana stood up against this ‘monster’ because it destroyed the future and the general life of the individuals. He said drugs negatively affected young people.

Giving her remarks, BOPEU president, Ms Masego Mogwera explained that GBV was tearing apart the nation because it was hitting every household. She explained, that drugs and substance abuse had also taken a toll, especially amongst the youth.

She appealed to BOPEU members to report drug peddlers to relevant authorities so that action could be taken against them. “By reporting these perpetrators, we will be protecting our future leaders, being children, against GBV and drug abuse,” she added.

The president also appealed to men to open up and report cases of GBV to the police.

She also appealed to members to insure their properties; houses, vehicles and domesticated animals, through the union’s partner BONA Life Insurance or Babereki Insurance Brokers. ENDS