Retired High Court Judge Abednego Tafa has called on government to give the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) autonomy.
He expressed hope that Government will one day accede to the IEC’s demand for more autonomy that will allow it to hire its own personnel so as to ensure true independence in its operations.
Speaking at the Botswana Landboard (BLLAHWU) Heritage Day celebration in Gaborone, Tafa who is the former IEC chairman emphasised the importance of unity among Trade Unions and among workers to advance their collective agenda.
Tafa explained that this requires Trade Union leadership to be bold, strong and remain loyal to the cause of workers and not to degenerate to a level where they might end up compromising workers' issues by seeking personal benefits from the employers at the expense of the people they purport to represent.
He pointed out that in order to attract and retain class conscious cadres and leaders, unions must invest in worker education.
“I urge all of you gathered here this evening individually and collectively, to play a role by placing demands on and assessing how the various political parties and organisations have been advancing and advocating for the betterment of the welfare of the workers.
“You cannot afford to be bystanders and spectators in a sphere that affects your lives as citizens. It is my fervent hope that the IEC will be provided with adequate resources with no strings attached, to enable it to perform its statutory duties with the usual confidence and courage,” Tafa said.
He challenged BLLAHWU leaders to remain dedicated to represent workers in the midst of all possible challenges, saying they shall not only prevail but overcome.
“A human being is by nature is a political being. It is therefore the role of citizens to hold the government accountable for its deeds and or misdeeds.
“On that note therefore, labour movements are beholden to play a meaningful role in the quest for preservation and respect for human rights and dignity, combating corruption, strengthening of democracy, advocating for a better welfare of the people of this country particularly the working class and the poor for the attainment of social justice for all," Tafa said, adding that General Elections are expected next year.
The former judge said BLLAHWU has distinguished itself as a formidable union in labour politics, with its ideological clarity grounded on militancy, radicalism, courage and unwavering loyalty to the cause, not of its members only but of workers in general.
According to Tafa, true trade unionism is not for the timorous.
“It requires men and women who are prepared to suffer reprisals and in some instances, torture and even death to advance the welfare of their constituents.
“BLLAHWU as a revolutionary union has carved a role and influence beyond bread and butter issues and beyond workerist politics, in that it has played an undeniably meaningful role in matters of political economy locally and internationally as demonstrated today by the presence of its fraternal friends.”
He expressed hope that Government will one day accede to the IEC’s demand for more autonomy that will allow it to hire its own personnel so as to ensure true independence in its operations.
Speaking at the Botswana Landboard (BLLAHWU) Heritage Day celebration in Gaborone, Tafa who is the former IEC chairman emphasised the importance of unity among Trade Unions and among workers to advance their collective agenda.
Tafa explained that this requires Trade Union leadership to be bold, strong and remain loyal to the cause of workers and not to degenerate to a level where they might end up compromising workers' issues by seeking personal benefits from the employers at the expense of the people they purport to represent.
He pointed out that in order to attract and retain class conscious cadres and leaders, unions must invest in worker education.
“I urge all of you gathered here this evening individually and collectively, to play a role by placing demands on and assessing how the various political parties and organisations have been advancing and advocating for the betterment of the welfare of the workers.
“You cannot afford to be bystanders and spectators in a sphere that affects your lives as citizens. It is my fervent hope that the IEC will be provided with adequate resources with no strings attached, to enable it to perform its statutory duties with the usual confidence and courage,” Tafa said.
He challenged BLLAHWU leaders to remain dedicated to represent workers in the midst of all possible challenges, saying they shall not only prevail but overcome.
“A human being is by nature is a political being. It is therefore the role of citizens to hold the government accountable for its deeds and or misdeeds.
“On that note therefore, labour movements are beholden to play a meaningful role in the quest for preservation and respect for human rights and dignity, combating corruption, strengthening of democracy, advocating for a better welfare of the people of this country particularly the working class and the poor for the attainment of social justice for all," Tafa said, adding that General Elections are expected next year.
The former judge said BLLAHWU has distinguished itself as a formidable union in labour politics, with its ideological clarity grounded on militancy, radicalism, courage and unwavering loyalty to the cause, not of its members only but of workers in general.
According to Tafa, true trade unionism is not for the timorous.
“It requires men and women who are prepared to suffer reprisals and in some instances, torture and even death to advance the welfare of their constituents.
“BLLAHWU as a revolutionary union has carved a role and influence beyond bread and butter issues and beyond workerist politics, in that it has played an undeniably meaningful role in matters of political economy locally and internationally as demonstrated today by the presence of its fraternal friends.”
