BONU internal wars rage on
War of attrition deepens at the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU), as the Central Executive Committee convened a meeting and suspended its President, Peter Baleseng.
The suspension of Baleseng is a factional response to the other factional team, responding to the suspension of Secretary General Lebogang Phillip, who was suspended by the Union Conference end of last month in Francistown.
The embattled Baleseng’s faction has four members while the other faction has eight members, but the President has the backing of conference.
Baleseng had sanctioned a forensic audit which pointed to financial irregularities by the past Committee of former President Obonolo Rahube. Sources at the union have revealed that the eight members who are battling against Baleseng, fear that Baleseng’s team wants to eliminate them.
Insiders indicate that as things stand, peace will for a long time elude the nurses’ union, something members fear will seriously affect the function of the union and its focus on members’ issues.
“It has come to the CEC's attention that there are allegations of misconduct by Baleseng in the performance of his duties as President of the BONU. The alleged acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to: abuse of office, unauthorised use of Union property, particularly vehicle plate number B377 BMF for personal errands without authorisation of the CEC, failure to adhere to and observe principles of democracy and collective responsibility,
thereby undermining the interests, business and Constitution of the Union.
“Failure to prioritise the business of the Union by non-attendance to Central Executive Committee's meetings without a reasonable cause, and failure to maintain unity within Union Membership and structures particularly the Central Executive Committee,” a letter written to regions of the union, reads.
The CEC said it resolved to suspend the President from the performance of his duties as BONU President with immediate effect until further notice while disciplinary action against him is progressed and concluded pursuant to article 18.3.4 of the union’s constitution.
The CEC further resolved that Oreeditse Kelebakgosi will be the Acting President, while Baleseng is serving the suspension pursuant to 16.3.1 of the BONU constitution. Members are requested to remain calm while the BONU leadership is dealing with this sensitive matter, the letter dated 18th September 2023, reads.
Baleseng’s suspension comes a few days after secretary general, Phillip was suspended from his position. Phillip then filed an urgent application the High Court against BONU following his suspension over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
The union suspended the Secretary General during a conference held in Francistown on the 31st August 2023 and was formally informed in writing on the 4th September 2023. The High Court ordered the union to reinstate Phillip to his position.