On the podium were the director of Teaching Service Management, Opelo Makhandlela, and South Central region Chief Education Officer, Albert Legwaila, who is Radibe's immediate supervisor. "Some people are hypocrites and do not want us to talk about the economy of Botswana," sneered Radibe.

"They do not want us to talk about things like privatization which we as BTU are strongly against because it is a means of impoverishing the majority of the citizens while only enriching a few."

Radibe indicated to the teachers that he had been informed that there were some ministers bent on dividing the BTU by peddling malicious information to members in the regions. "I have their names which I cannot divulge here,"

Radibe informed the audience to loud cheers. He stated that after launching the BTU as a union on Tuesday, serious business, which will not please their employer, had started. Radibe told the teachers that they should never sleep until their conditions of service have been upped. Giving the keynote address at the event, the senior lecturer in the department of history, Dr Rodgers Molefi, said that government should not intimidate teachers in any way, as they are temporary in their jobs. He said that it was time that the BTU worked alongside government to recruit teachers.

Molefi indicated to the BTU members that as a wealthy organization they had all it took to improve the situation instead of waiting for government to do things. "Teachers should consider opening their own banks so that they can borrow money from their own associations," Molefi urged the teachers.

"Teachers should own houses and move from the teachers quarters. BTU has the money and with your numbers you can make anything you want to increase your riches." He asserted that this is the century of ideas and not how much money one has. "You are wealthy and therefore you should call for help from those who can help to transform your wealth and complement the efforts of government by owning schools and businesses," he said. "I am offering myself to help you if you want. It is time that government is helped to diversify its economy."

The president of Education International, Thulas Nxcedle, stated that there is no bank that did not want to be associated with the teachers because they are many in numbers and permanent in their jobs. He said that it was high time that teachers' organizations worked as a collective on how they could enhance their resources. "Teachers are the majority employees in the country and with their numbers they can have the power," he said.

He encouraged women to stand up and struggle for leadership positions, as the men who are holding those powers cannot give them that on a silver platter. Regarding the dismissal and reinstatement of Radibe by the MoE, Nxcedle said that when they heard of the matter in a letter written to them all they could say was "Shame on this government." He stated that Botswana has always been seen as an exemplary country, with a stable economy and a shinning example of democracy.

"But when we heard about that incident, we had no words but only to say shame. We in South Africa know what it means to be always chased and victimized by the government. And now with BTU president's reinstatement we know that the war is not yet over and therefore we will always be watching their move."

On other issues, Nxcedle said that government should address issues of supply and demand of teachers, morale of teachers and how to turn around the recruitment of teachers. "Well trained and motivated teachers will produce quality education," Nxcedle said. The congress is expected to end on Sunday.