17 Feb 2025

The Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) elective congress held in Palapye over the weekend has retained has reelected Ms Martha Molema as the organisation’s president.

She stood unopposed for her second term. The Deputy President is Ms Gaebepe Molaodi while the Secretary General is Mr Tshepiso Mbereki. Ms Kgomotso Mokgethi was elected unopposed as treasurer.

In an interview with BOPA after her reelection, Ms Molema said her roadmap was to empower the workers to have a voice and stand against workplace injustices.

She challenged government to put in place stringent laws to protect workers against private companies, which pay employees below the living wage whereas such firms make large profits.

Ms Molema said workers are exposed to unfavorable working conditions in some organisations. She condemned gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace especially in the private sector where she said most women are sexually abused by senior officers.

Ms Molema called on government to review working conditions not just in the public but private sector as well in order to protect workers.

She stated that it was essential for government to accept the existence of trade unions and work on how best to improve the relationship between the two parties in an effort to improve service delivery.

She emphasised that government needs to clearly understand the role and purpose of trade unions in a democratic set up.

Molema stated that having a common understanding of the purpose and role of public service trade unions would help reduce the tension between senior government officials and union members and improve service delivery and productivity in the public service.

She said this would also contribute towards the development and growth of Botswana’s democracy. She stated that trade unions should be regarded as major stakeholders and partners in development. ENDS