Unions celebrate salary hike
ALL SMILES AFTER ALL: Negotiating parties at the Public Service Bargaining Council have agreed a 6 percent salary hike, among other perks for public servants at salary scale D1 and below. It was a happy ending for the union and government parties on Thursday. BOFEPUSU, the Federation for public unions welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations.
Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) has finally concluded the salary talks and agreed on an increase of 6% across board for mostly lower cadre employees who are on salary Grades D1 and below.
“The Council has resolved that a salary increase of 6% be awarded to all employees on salary grades D1 and below for the financial year 2015/16 effective 1st April 2015,” stated PSBC General Secretary Patlala Ulaula.
In relation to Conditions of service, the Bargaining Council resolved that employees on salary Grades D1 and below will be entitled to full pay for the duration of their studies (in service training) effective 1st April 2015.
A new allowance for Housing and Upkeep has been introduced and will also effect on 1st April 2015.
The applicable rates for the allowance include a P200 monthly fee for those on D1 to C3 scale. Those on C4 notch will get a monthly allowance of P250 and B1 scale to B5 will be awarded P280 while P330 will be reimbursed to those on A1 to A3.
However, with regard to Remote Area Service Allowance (RASA), it was decided that the employer party (government) should engage the trade union party further in dealing with the implementation challenges of the allowance.
The Council also noted that, in matters of overtime allowance, management should ensure that overtime is effectively managed and that payment thereof is in compliance with the law that regulate overtime.
“This came after the council observed that trade union’s demand was in line with the existing policy as stipulated in section 12 (1) – (6) of the Public service Regulations of 2010,” states the resolution paper on the negotiations.
The management was also advised that they should administer effectively the challenges relating to implementation of leave encashment.
Meanwhile the parties deferred other items pending further research and investigation by the parties and there was in agreement that they will be brought back to the Council at a time to be determined by them.
These included, “payment of entertainment allowance to all officers on salary Grade D1, enhancement of subsistence allowance, pension contribution for employees on salary grades A to A3 and lastly medical aid contribution for employees on salary grades B1 and below.”
Furthermore, it was noted that negotiations on the proposed salary adjustment for all public service employees for the subsequent years should be undertaken between the months of September and October each year in order to align the public service negotiations with the government budgeting cycle.
Kebonye Moepeng represented employer party and Ketlhalefile Motshegwa was standing on behalf of unions and the agreement was facilitated by Tsetsele Fantan. As an independent facilitator, Mrs Fantan was appointed to preside over the negotiation meetings and assist parties to reach an agreement on the current negotiations.
Other government employees not covered by the negotiations are said to be also affected by the increase except the housing and upkeep allowance.
According to the General Secretary of the Bargaining Council Patlala Ulaula, the negotiations were held in an environment of mutual respect and a spirit of ‘give and take’ which led to an amicable conclusion of 2014/16 negotiations.
“The Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the public service employees for their patience during the negotiation process,” he said.
The trade union party submitted their proposal for negotiations on salary and conditions of service for the year 2015/16 on 25 November 2015 in accordance with the provisions of the rules of procedures for meetings and negotiations.
The employer party also submitted her counter proposal to the trade union’s submission for negotiations on salary and conditions of service for the said year as according to the rules.
The negotiations commenced on the 25th February 2015 following several postponements due to disagreements between negotiating parties.
However soon after the negotiations concluded on Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2015, the union leaders expressed delight at the positive attitude of government towards the civil service this time around.
The Secretary General of the Botswana Federation of Public Service Unions (BOFEPUSU), Tobokani Rari said that the positive attitude has bestowed the reputation of the national bargaining council contrary to what has been happening for the past years where the employer was rigid and uncooperative.
“We proposed 15% and they proposed 4% but we ended up at 6% an indication that the the bargaining was in good faith. Our view is that there is a greater achievement beyond salary increase and that is the restoration of a mature bargaining council,” Rari expressed his satisfaction.
He further said they are particularly happy at the structuring of the housing and upkeep allowances because by its introduction the employer has addressed what the union has been complaining about for years.
“This differential increment where the low-earning workers are getting something high than the high-earning workers have been addressed in this allowance and we hope and pray for more,” Rari further pointed out.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.