BOPEU's possible return to BOFEPUSU

The newly appointed President of Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), Masego Mogwera will not make any promises about the union affiliating to its former mother-body, Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU).

Addressing members of the media this week at union head office in Gaborone, Mogwera said that decision rests with BOPEU members if they make a resolution to go back to the federation. The marriage fell apart in 2015 when union members resolved to dissociate from the mother-body at the Palapye elective congress.

“I am guided by the resolution and I will follow what is proper for BOPEU. I will comply with the constitution. BOPEU can only go back to BOFEPUSU if there is a resolution saying that. We are not a one man show,” said Mogwera.Mogwera ascended to BOPEU’s highest position after former leader, Andrew Motsamai resigned from the post.

He is now employed as Executive Chairman of Babereki Investments. “In November 2016 Cde Motsamai wrote a letter to Babereki Investments tendering his resignation as Board Chairman.

The Union Board of Trustees brought this matter to the attention of the Babereki Investments Board at a special meeting convened early in December 2016,” said Mogwera. She added, “When the special Board meeting assessed the abrupt departure of Motsamai as Board chairperson in December 2016, against the business interests and transition that Babereki was going through, it was then resolved by the board that an appointment to the position of Executive Chairman be made immediately,” explained Mogwera.

Motsamai assumes his new post today (Wednesday). He has been BOPEU President for the last ten years.  He was elected to the Presidency of the then Botswana Civil Service Association (BCSA) in 2006, and transitioned it into BOPEU in 2007.

He was re-elected in 2009, 2012 and 2015 respectively, a position that he left by resignation on 28th January and  making him the longest serving president of the organisation. Martin Gabobake was appointed the 1st Deputy President, a position that was held by Mogwera before.