BTU HOLDS SUCCESSFUL PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY SECTOR CONFERENCE
26-JUNE 2021
One of the country‘s leading trade unions, Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) recently held its Pre-Primary and Primary Sector Conference in Palapye. The conference was themed, ‘overcoming Pre-Primary and Primary Sector challenges in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic’.
As part of the union’s constitution, sectors meet once in a year for their conferences. Through respective conferences, supreme sector leaders receive reports from the vice regional organisers in their regions, reports on the progress of the sector as well dialogue on the challenges faced by members of the union at their regions.
It is also through conferences where resolutions on matters relating to how a (respective) sector must run its functions are made. Sectors also use conferences to come up with recommendations meant to boost the efficiency of the union as a whole.
When giving the Pre-Primary and Primary Sector report, Cde Tjalebgwa Bakang Bagwasi (BTU Vice President Primary), said that the relationship between the union and the employer (Ministry of Basic Education) has not been smooth since the advent of Covid-19. He pointed out that the dialogue between the ministry and union on issues relating to the welfare of its members is supposed to be done through the sectorial bargaining forum. He however, said that the ministry continues to disregard this process of engagement by making pronouncements and decisions that affect teachers without consulting the union.
“The union has since engaged the ministry over the issue to alert them about the dictates of the Recognition Agreement entered into between the ministry and the union. Proper legal measures will be taken by union if the situation continues,” he said.
He added that there is still evidence that teachers are not being transferred fairly and honestly.
Said Cde Bagwasi, “There has also been an overall delay in processing transfers of teachers both voluntary and involuntary. This has created a challenge to smooth delivery of teaching and learning.”
The vice president went on to explain that the union has engaged the ministry on issues relating to the transfer of teachers and the latter has promised that they will be resolved timely.
“The transfer policy is also at a discussion stage after the union went around the country consulting with teachers. After this policy is implemented, we anticipate smooth processing of transfers,” he said. Cde Bagwasi also expressed worry that there is no standard procedure followed by the ministry when it comes to promotions of teachers. He stated that at times there are calls for recommendations (for those who will be promoted) while at times teachers are subjected to interviews.
“This has caused workplace stress and low morale on the teachers. The Ministry was advised to communicate with Directors of Regional Operations to follow the set standards of promotions.The expectation is that there has to be one procedure for promoting teachers.”
One of the other challenges faced by teachers within the pre and primary sector according to Cde Bagwasi’s report is that of progression. According to him, there are still areas where teachers in the sector are not progressing properly. He was concerned that most teachers who deserve to have progressed to a higher scale have not progressed, adding that in most instances progressions are delayed by the school management.
“The union has addressed issues of progression through engaging at Sectoral Bargaining forum where it was agreed that such emerging issues on progression will be addressed as they are reported.”
Poor infrastructure, lack of proper accommodation and non-adherence to COVID-19 protocols are some of the key challenges raised by Bagwasi during address at the conference.
Meanwhile in his address BTU president Cde Gotlamang Oitsile expressed grave concern about the surge in Covid-19 cases in schools (among teachers and learners). However, he said that he remains overly optimistic that the government will move swiftly and vaccinate teachers. Over 40 teachers across the country have died as a result of COVID-19. Most of them are BTU members.
“Our hopes are also pinned on the campaign we have launched titled ‘Vaccinate Educators’ and what the President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said in his address to Teachers on National Teachers Day early this month,” he said.
The union’s secretary general Cde Agang Gabana also featured at the event. One of the notable announcements he made was that the union has taken a stance not to defend teachers facing sexual violence charges against their fellow colleagues, learners, and non-teaching staff (in schools), during their disciplinary proceedings. He explained that it will be untidy and unethical for the union to represent members who have been charged with sexual offences, at a time when such cases are escalating.