COUNCILLORS THREATEN TO SUE GOVT
They are fed up and can no longer keep calm Minister Molale at the centre of the dispute Still waiting for 6% salary increase one year later
When it comes to money, political party affiliation is not a consideration. Infact, money is the great unifier, as it has managed to unite Councillors from both the ruling and opposition parties in one accord.
Tensions are reaching boiling point across the country as fed-up Council- lors threaten to take Government to court over payment of their outstanding payments by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
And one name - Minister Eric Molale’s - is at the centre of the dispute. Councillors find his deafening silence regarding their concerns contained in a petition they submitted to his office a month ago, very annoying.
The petition requested for clarity on their outstanding payments. Councillors were shocked to find that they were left out when salaries were adjusted for civil servants and Members of Parliament in 2020. They now demand a six percent salary increase.
“Your office must take cognizance that it has been one year and one month without receiving the funds. We put it to you that the delay of this money has amounted to significant distress and damages in our lives”, reads the petition.
According to audio tapes of concerned councillors shared with this publication this week, they are now ready to go court.
They have even begun seeking legal representa
tion. Bank account details are expected to be shared this week for Councillors to start depositing money to pay lawyers.
“This is painful, what has happened that is so big and ugly between us and our responsible minister for him to just ignore and give us a cold shoulder like he is doing? Why should we be treated this way, like we are nobodies”?
“We are left with no choice but to take this matter to court, we are tired because Molale is ignoring us and is never available.
“This matter has been here for long, Molale is aware and we cannot keep silent anymore”, a concerned Councillor said.
Reached for comment, Minister Molale’s phone rang unanswered neither did he respond to messages left for him.
Meanwhile Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Councillors are equally ready to go to war. They have downed their red, white and black coats and intend to unite with opposition parties to demand what is rightfully theirs.
“Rona re le Madomkraga ke rona re itirang ebile ke rona re ipolaang ka re tsere tshwetso ya gore re nne le mowa o gotweng ke wa Sedomkraga.
“We were supposed to be united in this matter. Nna gompieno ke eme le bakganetso ke batla sixpercent. Even if I am expelled from BDP I am ready”.
Another added, “People always go to court when unhappy so we are also going. We are not taking BDP to court but government so we should not fear.
“Also the party is always quick to distance itself when the going gets tough for some of us, remember what they did with MP Majaga? So we are going to court”.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Molefi Keaja said he was in isolation and unable to attend to The Midweek Sun inquiry.
However, Keaja told this publication in February 2021 that the adjustment of salaries for Councillors was not the sole prerogative of the Ministry as their salaries are adjusted