The weeklong conference is held under the theme: "BCSA Embracing the Principle of Unionism; Managing the Transitional Change". BCSA is seeking registration as a trade union. Pheto said the changes associated with turning BCSA into a labour movement is an exciting opportunity and a welcome challenge to all parties involved. "The parties should walk the transformation," he stressed. He added that the overriding principle should be the interest of the country they serve as opposed to sectoral interests as the employer and the union.

Pheto emphasised that the greatest responsibility facing BCSA as a trade union is making Botswana a preferred destination for foreign direct investment. He believes that BCSA has served the public service well and will ably manage the transformation to a union. "A transformation process of any kind is never guaranteed to be a smooth one. It can be complex and it comes with its own challenges. It demands that laws be modified, norms and values be re-assessed, realigned and that service delivery systems be reviewed," said Pheto. He indicated that BCSA should examine its communication strategy with both the employer and membership. This is because an effective communication strategy is key to the success of any organisation. Pheto pointed out that as BCSA transforms to a union, it faces challenges like striking a balance between up-holding contractual agreements with the employer and furthering the interests of employees, neutrality, member expectations, competition and attraction of membership.

BCSA president, Omogae Mpho, pointed out that it is a common belief that unions are rough, belligerent and seem to be instilling unrest. He said this belief is a big threat to unions and employers. "I would like to assure the employer that we would not allow us to be seen in that regard, unless of course the employer does not care to live up to agreements we have bargained on and concluded," Mpho said.

He cited the early exit policy, salaries, unfair labour practices, Unified Local Government Service Act, Tribal Land Act and Unified Teaching Service Act as some of the things that need urgent attention. He said Pheto does not need to be a rocket scientist to know that these issues need to be resolved.