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Botswana : Solidarity with two union leaders detained

D 30 mai 2011     H 12:12     A Botswana National Front     C 0 messages


The Botswana National Front (BNF) is disturbed by reports that the Botswana security forces have detained a leader of the Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU) yesterday. BLLAHWU is one of the public sector unions that are on a legal strike. Cde Pelotshweu Baeng who is a former President of the union and now an employee of the union, was released by the Serowe Magistrate’s court this morning, only for the police to refuse to release him because they said he was wanted by the Ramotswa Police over a charge of inciting violence.

This marks a continuation of a government crackdown on the striking workers. Just last week another member, Johannes Makhado, BLLAWU Publicity Secretary, Selebi Phikwe branch was detained and is also to face charges over allegations of inciting violence.

The crackdown on the Union leadership is orchestrated to take off the steam from the strike that has crippled government service delivery. The government secondary schools have been closed as well as some clinics. Those that are operational are operating on a skeletal staff. Reports also indicate that outstanding operations at the main referral hospital in Gaborone stand at 750 because doctors and nurses have gone on strike.

All this is happening at a time when the diamond sales, which account for a bulk of government revenue, have exceeded expectations and strong prices and demand have led to decisions to open two mines that were closed during the recession. The Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) brought in around P4 billion more than was anticipated in the previous financial year. The trend is expected to continue in this financial year.

The President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khame Ian Khama refuses to accept the request by unions to meet their leaders and find a lasting solution to this problem.

All that the public sector workers are demanding is a 16% salary increase. They have not had a salary increase in the last four (4) budget allocations. The lowest paid worker gets about P1100 per month. The BNF has always argued that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) which is financed by big business is not committed to ensuring that the locals benefit from the country’s rich resources. Its neo-liberal approach has ensured that workers continue to get low salaries which have led to huge economic imbalances, exploitation and poverty.

We call upon the government to immediately withdraw charges against the two union leaders and accede to the demands of the workers.

Moeti Mohwasa
BNF Information and Publicity Secretary