BOSETU calls for urgent education reforms
Pini Bothoko | Thursday June 12, 2025 14:40
Speaking on the eve of Teachers’ Day commemorations in Gaborone, also he praised the dedication and sacrifice of teachers across Botswana, both in public and private sectors.
However, he painted a sobering picture of the state of education, describing it as being 'on its knees, if not on its deathbed'.
“This day is not only a time to celebrate our educators but a time to reflect on their welfare and the status of the teaching profession.
“Our teachers continue to operate in uninspiring and demotivating environments, faced with high workloads, dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and a serious shortage of resources,' Radikolo said.
This year’s Teachers’ Day held a particular significance as it was the first to be celebrated under the new government led by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The party took power following last year’s general elections, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) 58-year rule.
Radikolo expressed cautious optimism but also disappointment at the lack of visible change so far.
“When the UDC took over, it ignited hope amongst educators that the new administration would prioritise the revitalisation of the education sector,” he said.
“Yet, more than 200 days later, we have not seen the decisive actions that were expected.”
The BOSETU president implored the new government not to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor.
He urged for immediate and tangible interventions to improve working conditions of educators and invest meaningfully in education infrastructure and resources.
Radikolo decried what he called persistent discrimination against educators within the public service, pointing to ongoing legal battles over the payment of grading arrears and scarce skill allowances.
“Other public service cadres have received their dues without resistance, yet teachers are forced to seek justice through the courts. This must stop,” he said.
Despite the grim tone of his message, Radikolo ended on a note of gratitude and encouragement for educators.
“To you, our teachers and support staff: we know you are under-resourced, underpaid, and undervalued, yet you remain the architects of dreams and builders of our nation.
“We thank you for your sacrifices, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to shaping a better future for Botswana,' he said.
BOSETU represents nearly 25,000 members across the education sector, and its president’s address on Teachers’ Day is often seen as a barometer of the state of the sector.
As celebrations unfolded across the country, the union’s message is a clarion call not only for recognition of teachers’ work but for bold leadership to reverse the decline of the country’s most crucial sector.
In April, Member of Parliament (MP) for Maun West Constituency, Caterpillar Hikuama proposed a 26-day month payment model for teachers in public schools before Parliament, a motion that was reserved as it was argued that teacher's bargaining unions should be brought on board.
Then, Hikuama had stated that teachers invest a lot of their time and effort working extra-curricular activities including schools sport, organising social clubs, marking and preparation, and deserve to be remunerated more than what they currently earn.
He had also stated that whilst the Public Service Act currently provided for civil servants to be paid for a standard 22-day monthly wage, which amounted to five working days per week, the nature of work teachers were occupied with forced them to work extra hours, and this should be recognised through a 26-day per month pay structure.
“Adopting a 26-day month pay model would help reduce the conflict between teacher and school management and government. The disruption of school sporting and extra-curricular programmes stems primarily from a dispute over teachers’ remuneration for work done outside regular working hours,” Hikuama said then.
Other MPs supported Hikuama's motion acknowledging teachers' workloads.