Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) Secretary General, Lebogang Philip has urged government to permanently employ temporary nurses.
Phillip argued that the lack of job security frustrates them and drives many to seek better opportunities abroad.
Speaking during an interview, Philip stated that nurses employed on a temporary basis often lack motivation and become disgruntled.
"In this new transformation, we wish to see the idea of temporary nurses abolished. We want permanent positions for nurses, similar to the recent decision to phase out special constables," he said.
The union has several issues to address, and will soon submit them to the Office of the President. He emphasised the need for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana to gain autonomy, be
capacitated, and function as an effective regulator.
The BONU Secretary General also expressed gratitude to President Duma Boko for his emphasis on civil service reform. He noted that as a nurses' union, they believe in collaborating with the government to develop initiatives that benefit healthcare workers.
“We do not want decisions made for us, but with us. The President should demonstrate commitment by appointing the Public Service Bargaining Council to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are addressed,” he said.
Philip urged the government to involve the union in crafting policies to improve working conditions and strengthen the healthcare system, emphasising that such collaboration is crucial for meaningful reform.
He also raised concerns about the lack of implementation of the collective labour agreement with the government, which has been pending since 2019.
He mentioned that the long-awaited salary structure is expected to be implemented in April 2025, even though more work is needed.
Furthermore, he called for the review and assessment of the Midwifery Act, arguing that it fails to adequately protect nurses.
Philip cited the ongoing dispensing case before the courts as an example, highlighting the need for legal reforms to ensure nurses are safeguarded when performing additional duties that are not traditionally within their scope of work.
He urged the government to review the Government Accounting Budget System (GABS), as some nurses are struggling to receive payment for their leave days.
However, he remains hopeful for improvements, as President Boko has promised technological advancements.
Phillip argued that the lack of job security frustrates them and drives many to seek better opportunities abroad.
Speaking during an interview, Philip stated that nurses employed on a temporary basis often lack motivation and become disgruntled.
"In this new transformation, we wish to see the idea of temporary nurses abolished. We want permanent positions for nurses, similar to the recent decision to phase out special constables," he said.
The union has several issues to address, and will soon submit them to the Office of the President. He emphasised the need for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana to gain autonomy, be
capacitated, and function as an effective regulator.
The BONU Secretary General also expressed gratitude to President Duma Boko for his emphasis on civil service reform. He noted that as a nurses' union, they believe in collaborating with the government to develop initiatives that benefit healthcare workers.
“We do not want decisions made for us, but with us. The President should demonstrate commitment by appointing the Public Service Bargaining Council to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are addressed,” he said.
Philip urged the government to involve the union in crafting policies to improve working conditions and strengthen the healthcare system, emphasising that such collaboration is crucial for meaningful reform.
He also raised concerns about the lack of implementation of the collective labour agreement with the government, which has been pending since 2019.
He mentioned that the long-awaited salary structure is expected to be implemented in April 2025, even though more work is needed.
Furthermore, he called for the review and assessment of the Midwifery Act, arguing that it fails to adequately protect nurses.
Philip cited the ongoing dispensing case before the courts as an example, highlighting the need for legal reforms to ensure nurses are safeguarded when performing additional duties that are not traditionally within their scope of work.
He urged the government to review the Government Accounting Budget System (GABS), as some nurses are struggling to receive payment for their leave days.
However, he remains hopeful for improvements, as President Boko has promised technological advancements.
