A third of BFA employees face the chop
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday December 4, 2021 06:00
Four employees have left the organisation as a result, with a further 10 expected to follow suit before the end of February 2022. The BFA earlier this year announced a restructuring exercise meant to rationalise operations.
The association indicated the move was meant to ensure an efficient and leaner organisation. Some employees were expected to be redeployed amid reports there were concerns that some were not fit for purpose and needed moving around, or phasing out their positions.
The organisation said the process would result in job losses, and its chief executive officer, Goabaone Taylor said 14 positions have been rendered redundant. The BFA has a staff complement of less than 50. “In terms of the new structure, 14 redundancies have been identified as a result of either the job ceasing to exist in the new organisation or its job requirement having changed or modified into new jobs,” Taylor said. She confirmed four employees have been informed about the decision to retrench them.
Meetings have been held with all the affected employees, she said. “We have just concluded the statutory consultation process with employees and we have been in consultation with the affected employees to take them through the separation process.
Four affected employees have already been informed. We expect to have concluded the process latest end of February 2022,” Taylor said. She said restructuring comes with its challenges, particularly where it results in job losses. “Restructuring is very engaging as it entails introduction of changes to organisational processes.
That usually would affect the employees as a result of changes effected to support the new needs of the organisation. All these needs constant engagement with employees and continuous monitoring to ensure proactive management of the process,” she said. Taylor added the process takes long, as there has to be consultation and compliance. “Typically, the process would take long because it affects people and as a process, it has to be handled well. We have to ensure full compliance with the laws of Botswana, adequate engagement with employees and key stakeholders.
BFA is reorganising its operations to support the success of our national teams, ensure support in regions as well as be a force for good of all in football. We want to continuously improve football and stay focused on the needs of the association,” Taylor said.
Sources said the process has been fraught with challenges with some in the board opposing the exercise. Taylor is walking a tight-rope as she implements the unpopular decision in a highly political environment, the source said.