BOSETU HOLDS SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL CONGRESS ( 27/ 28, APRIL- 2021)
The Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union ( BOSETU) recently held its first ever- virtual congress. In fact the union, which has a history of pioneering many firsts, is the first ever- labour movement in the country to organise a virtual congress.
The main mandate of the congress was to elect a new executive committee to run the union for the next three years. The elections were coordinated from Palapye but BOSETU members voted in various centres across the country.
At the elections, incumbent president Radikolo defended his position beating Maruping by 174 votes to 115. For the position of vice president, Mogomotsi Motshegwa prevailed over Mankoko Joel and veteran trade unionist Linda Sekgopa. Motshegwa was voted by 158 people, while Joel and Sekgopa earned 114 and 17 votes respectively.
Tobokani Rari retained his position as the secretary general ( SG). He attained 160 votes while his closest challenger Innocent Mannathoko managed 109 votes. Sekgwama Gothusamang who also contested the position ( SG) could only attract 19 voters. Another constant for the position SG, Wabo Tshosa came a distant fourth with a solitary vote.
Former BOSETU publicity secretary Edwin Maitshoko, Maruatona Botshelo and Othusitse Dibotlhale slugged it out for the position of vice secretary general ( VSG). Botshelo won after attracting 121 voters against Dibotlhale’s 109 votes. Edwin Maitshoko, who was an independent candidate, could only convince 57 voters. In other noteworthy executive elections, Odrile Aboneng was voted treasurer. Mmoloki Bopa got the position of national organising secretary while the post of Secretary for Education Research & Training went to Karabo Rampha. Nyatso Oreeditse won the position of publicity secretary. Chatapiwa Mabutho was ushered in as the secretary for gender. The new BOSETU secretary for sports is Ndiyapo Modimo. Monica Legwale retained her position as the secretary for health and safety Monica Legwale. The new secretary for the primary sector is Mosa Modisa while Thomas Kajuu is the secretary for secondary education. Benjamin Seema was voted the secretary for tertiary sector.
Meanwhile when giving a keynote address on the opening day of the congress Radikolo stressed out that Internet connectivity and the use of IT in instructional delivery by educators across public schools is long overdue.
“The IT revolution in schools should be expedited as it can help to enhance the learning process in many ways.”
In addition moments after the elections Radikolo promised that the new executive will run its affairs transparently and in line with the interest of the members.
The guest speaker at the event, Zambian academic Professor Trywell Kalusupa who boasts vast knowledge on labour issues urged BOSETU to be committed to political, social and economic education that develops an alert populace that can meaningfully participate in the affairs of the nation at all levels as expected of it. He added in his address, “BOSETU as one of the key stakeholders in the country’s education should ensure that education is strongly treated as a strategic and well thought investment which government must continue to undertake for the country’s present and posterity and will support programmes that pay attention to the enhancement of teaching and learning at all levels of education.”