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Mabeo rebuffs ILO

The Minister responsible for Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Tshenolo Mabeo has hauled Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sectors Union (BOFEPPPUSU) over hot coals for reporting the government of Botswana to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) based in Geneva, Switzerland.


BOFEPUSU had reported the government at the ILO for what they regard as “trampling and disregarding the lawfully instituted Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC)” and also query the controversial amendment of the Trade Dispute Act. WeekendPost has established that the international body, ILO representative, under the Freedom of Association branch, Keren Curtis visited Botswana this week in a move to meet the tripartite structure to follow up on the BOFEPPPUSU letter reporting key violations of workers’ rights in the country.


As a result, Curtis met Minister Mabeo, as well as Assistant Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Thato Kwerepe, and former Attorney General Athaliah Molokomme. She also met BOFEPPPUSU and Business Botswana – all of which are tripartite stakeholders in Botswana. In accordance with International Labour Standards on Tripartite consultation, the ILO is based on the principle of tripartism – dialogue and cooperation between governments, employers, and workers – in the formulation of standards and policies dealing with labour matters.


It is understood that the ILO representative was primarily consulting on the issues raised by BOFEPUSU relating to violations of workers’ rights in contravention of ILO standards and policies while the country has ratified various conventions. “Yes it is true that ILO representative Curtis was in Botswana to meet key stakeholders under tripartite arrangement,” Minister Mabeo told Weekend Post adding that she met on official capacity, specifically “Mabeo, Kwerepe, Molokomme, BOFEPUSU and Business Botswana to discuss labour issues of concern.”


Mabeo stressed that ILO cannot solve Botswana’s labour relations issues but instead the parties involved can do so on their own (without the help of ILO). Repeatedly, the Minister insisted that “dialogue” is very important between the unions and government. He said the sour relationship and failure by parties to meet at the negotiating table of the Bargaining Council could only be resolved by dialogue. He emphasised: “ILO cannot solve our problems but only us domestically can do that. We should exhaust all the means before we ask for mediation outside the country.”


The minister said the unions should know that it’s important to note that building the economy lies with the citizenry before anyone else. On his own account, Mabeo explained that “I told ILO envoy Curtis during the meeting this week that we do not need anyone from outside to dictate to us how to solve our issues and that’s my departure point.” He also said he has met the Federations several times and they both agree that dialogue is crucial and can solve the acrimony that currently exists between government and unions.


“The union federations informed me that they did not have the platform to negotiate so I brought them closer to us as government so that we can dialogue. And there are indications that we are in the right way. As a ministry we will continue encouraging dialogue.” He said: “I believe PSBC should make dialogue, talk about the issues they face, resolve them on their own. PSBC is a lawful constituted body. I believe PSBC should do their job.”


According to the Minister the main problem between parties at the Bargaining Council is that there is lack of tolerance by all parties in the negotiations. We should, he observed, be able to speak around the table but if there is not trust, as I see, there cannot be proper dialogue. In terms of the Trade Dispute Act, Mabeo highlighted that initially they thought they were solving a problem but later found out, after some court cases, that there was need to align the Act with the constitution.


He added that law was not cast in stone and that is why they continued to amend them while also noting that “we can’t all get what we want all the time”. “But moving forward, doors are open for any amendments that we may deem necessary, all is not lost,” Mabeo pointed out. In relation to concerns they raised at the ILO, Trade Union Federation cried foul over government’s attitude of being prone to bypassing the legally constituted body which is mandated with the negotiation of salaries and conditions of service of all the public servants in Botswana.


PSBC is currently at the centre of dispute before the Courts of law over issues of scope. Of concern also to BOFEPUSU which has been put forward to the attention of ILO is the controversial amendment of the Trade Dispute Act (TDA) which consequently categorized non essential services such as teachers, Government Broadcasting services and Immigration and Customs Services as essential, once again violating ILO standards.


The government had also previously made Veterinary, Diamond Sorting, Cutting and selling services essential services but through courts intervention they lost the matter and the unlawful move was reversed. It is understood that in amending the TDA, to include more cadres as essential, government sought to reduce the bargaining power of the said professionals particularly teachers as well as circumvent their ability and right to strike. This was as a result of the notorious 2011 nationwide Industrial strike which almost plunged the education system into paralysis of unequivocal standards.


The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes. BOFEPUSU had stated in the letter to the labour organisation dated 25th July 2016 titled “letter of complaint against the government of Botswana” they stated that they would prefer that the international organisation assist in referring the complaint as enunciated in the introductory letter and in the report on the amended Trade Dispute Act that they sent.


“We also would like to request the ILO office to prepare an informal opinion to the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. And similarly, we request the ILO office to prepare an informal opinion on the matter to guide the federation in lobbying both domestically and abroad including at the 2017 ILO conference,” BOFEPUSU Secretary General Tobokani Rari had written.


The main objectives of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. It remains to be seen whether ILO will take necessary disciplinary steps towards the Botswana government in the fullness of time – in relations to violations which has been reported to the world body.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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