Motshegwa dismisses BDP's public servants engagement

The Secretary of Botswana Federation Public, Private Sector Unions (BOFEPPUSU), Ketlhalefile Motshegwa is skeptical about the efforts by Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to work with public sector unions. Since the infamous 2011 public sector strike, government and unions have been in a love-hate relationship. This has led to government amending the Public Service Act, Trade Dispute Act and Employment Act to tame unions and their leaders. Addressing a media conference this week, Motshegwa said for BDP to achieve its intentions it must first remove some powerful people in the civil service and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Eric Molale.

“If there is any toxic source that strains labour relations in the public service it’s the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in particularly Mr. Molale himself. Since becoming Permanent Secretary to the President he has never met unions. Even up to now. What is worse is when Ministers holding public office lie to the public,” Motshegwa. The BDP resolved at its recent elective congress to start having good working relations with unions.

The party Secretary General Mpho Balopi said his party is determined to win many hearts of public servants. He revealed that even the Labour and Wellness Working Committee of the Central Committee has been constituted in a manner that would break the barrier between BDP and public servants. Motshegwa said they are going to meet with the labour committee of the BDP to see whether they are serious about mending the strained relations. “There is so much disrespect and arrogance from those who are responsible for government.

“We were right it does not show that we will work with BDP. The labour committee is made up of people who have contributed to the strained relationship with us,” said Motshegwa. The committee, which was initially chaired by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is now chaired by Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Edwin Batshu.

“We have Batshu as chairman, Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development Tshenolo Mabeo is a member of the committee. He is our core in labour relations with our labour movements. Another member of the committee is Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Eric Molale who is responsible for the public service,” shared Balopi on the BDP committee. “Going to BDP labour committee will not be useful. We do not know what wisdom the BDP employed to appoint these people. So they will not manage to harness the relationship with public servants” said Motshegwa.