Educators' union in disarray as tensions fuel leadership divisions
Leadership battles within the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) have increasingly escalated, with internal divisions widely tearing the union apart.
The latest development has seen Vice President, Charles Tsiane suspending three senior officials—Executive Director Nerd Phatshwane, General Manager Sydney Mogapi, and Human Resources Manager Jabulani Makwanda—further fuelling tensions within the already fractured organisation.
The suspension letters, signed by Tsiane, following a meeting last week, have sparked controversy as the decision was not unanimously supported.
BOSETU President, Winston Radikolo was absent from the meeting, while Secretary General Tobokani Rari has reportedly distanced himself from the move.
The suspensions were triggered by an unsigned eight-page letter addressed to BOSETU leadership, accusing the trio of abuse of power, harassment, intimidation, and corruption.
The letter alleges that decision-making within the union is driven by personal relationships and favouritism rather than proper administrative processes.
Further claims in the letter suggest that the suspended officials played a role in a flawed restructuring exercise that resulted in job losses.
They are also accused of unethical conduct and failing to adhere to conditions of service, with reports of workplace harassment and mistreatment making working conditions unbearable for some employees.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the letter’s authors chose to remain anonymous, citing fears of victimisation and potential job losses.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the suspended officials are preparing to challenge their suspensions.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tsiane confirmed that they had been served with legal documents but stated that he did not have full details to comment on the matter.
When asked if he had powers to issue suspensions, Tsiane said, "The president and SG have no authority to rule over the decisions of majority."
As internal conflicts continue to escalate, the future of the union remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight.
Just recently, the union was dragged to court by BOSETU’s Funeral Scheme (BOFUS) Finance Manager, Kabo Moitoi, for wanting to deploy him from BOFUS to the union’s commercial wing.
The divided BOSETU leadership pulled in different directions on the matter, with some openly supporting Moitoi and betraying the executive committee by granting Moitoi immunity to use against the union.
The latest development has seen Vice President, Charles Tsiane suspending three senior officials—Executive Director Nerd Phatshwane, General Manager Sydney Mogapi, and Human Resources Manager Jabulani Makwanda—further fuelling tensions within the already fractured organisation.
The suspension letters, signed by Tsiane, following a meeting last week, have sparked controversy as the decision was not unanimously supported.
BOSETU President, Winston Radikolo was absent from the meeting, while Secretary General Tobokani Rari has reportedly distanced himself from the move.
The suspensions were triggered by an unsigned eight-page letter addressed to BOSETU leadership, accusing the trio of abuse of power, harassment, intimidation, and corruption.
The letter alleges that decision-making within the union is driven by personal relationships and favouritism rather than proper administrative processes.
Further claims in the letter suggest that the suspended officials played a role in a flawed restructuring exercise that resulted in job losses.
They are also accused of unethical conduct and failing to adhere to conditions of service, with reports of workplace harassment and mistreatment making working conditions unbearable for some employees.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the letter’s authors chose to remain anonymous, citing fears of victimisation and potential job losses.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the suspended officials are preparing to challenge their suspensions.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tsiane confirmed that they had been served with legal documents but stated that he did not have full details to comment on the matter.
When asked if he had powers to issue suspensions, Tsiane said, "The president and SG have no authority to rule over the decisions of majority."
As internal conflicts continue to escalate, the future of the union remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight.
Just recently, the union was dragged to court by BOSETU’s Funeral Scheme (BOFUS) Finance Manager, Kabo Moitoi, for wanting to deploy him from BOFUS to the union’s commercial wing.
The divided BOSETU leadership pulled in different directions on the matter, with some openly supporting Moitoi and betraying the executive committee by granting Moitoi immunity to use against the union.
