Masisi failed the public service
BOFEPUSU condemns President’s 4 years rule
Botswana Federation of Public Private and Parastatal Sector Unions ( BOFEPUSU) say while President Mokgweetsi Masisi celebrates his four year achievements as head of state, he has failed to disclose to the nation that he failed the public service.
Last week Friday marked four years since Masisi took over as head of state.
The President shared some of his achievements ever since becoming president on April 1st 2018, taking over from former President Ian Khama.
Masisi stated that he looks back at the four years with pride because of the achievements the country has made.
Among them is improvement in Botswana’s International standing, easing of legislation for Batswana’s benefit, Digitisation, Land matters, Empowerment of Women, Creative industry and youth empowerment, Powering of villages, providing clean water, Economic projects, New Horticulture Scheme, the International market for small stock, fighting COVID- 19, Protection against sexual predators and Improving the Constitution.
He said Government continues with efforts to fulfil other commitments it made and this is what his Cabinet is focused on.
However, the labour centre argues that issues surrounding public service should be at the top of the agenda as the president promised. BOFEPUSU
argues that public service is central to service delivery and the growth of the economy.
The less attention given to labour matters by the government is of grave concern to the federation. BOFEPUSU still decry a continuous lack of social dialogue with government departments and ministry, something which started with the past administration.
“The President has dismally failed the Public Service.
The state of labour relations is worse which has led to a demoralised workforce because of poor conditions of service and welfare.
“There is fear in the public service, as workers feel intimidated by superiors with the tone set by the President himself, as he demonstrated that through ill- treatment of some top civil servants. In launching his reset agenda, the President unleashed a scathing attack on civil servants,” said BOFEPUSU President Johannes Tshukudu.
He explained that as things stand, there are no bargaining structures and other workplace structures.
President Masisi had assured public sector unions that he would push to see the Public Service Bargaining Council ( PSBC) resuscitated.
There has been a delay in the process especially with the parties agreeing on the Council Constitution.
According to Tshukudu employees have not been cushioned against inflation throughout the years and there are lots of pending employee issues that have escalated to workplace disputes with most going to courts.
“We have witnessed employees being fired or relieved of their duties for no reason.
There is no longer job security in the public service. Some of the labour laws are still weak, outdated and do not protect workers. Ministries are not meeting with Trade Unions meaning weak social dialogue in the workplace,” argued Tshukudu.