BOSETU vows to push teachers' 26-day pay model
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday July 16, 2025 13:54
The motion, which was debated last week after it was tabled by Maun West Member of Parliament, Caterpillar Hikuama, sought to align teachers’ pay with the demands of their profession, including extended working hours and responsibilities beyond the classroom.
The proposal was defeated with 20 MPs voting against it, 10 in support, and two abstaining.
Hikuama argued that the current 22-day pay model does not fairly compensate teachers for their roles, which often extends beyond regular school hours to include mentoring, counselling, coaching, and supervising extracurricular activities.
He said the proposed model would boost morale, improve teacher well-being, and potentially revive school sports and academic clubs which have dwindled due to lack of after-hours remuneration.
“If we are honest as government, we need a step-by-step approach,' Hikuama said, expressing doubt over the government's claims of insufficient funds.
“A holistic approach I doubt will be possible, unless ministers are not telling the truth ka kgang ya gore ga gona madi (about the issue of funds).'
In the aftermath of the motion’s rejection, The Monitor reached out to the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) for reaction. The union’s secretary-general, Tobokani Rari, described the decision as disappointing and regressive.
“We have pushed for the 26-day pay model since 2010, after the introduction of the Public Service Act which placed teachers under the same regulation as other public servants.
“Teachers are expected to do far more than what their current pay covers from lesson preparations, remedial teaching, to marking and organising extracurricular activities most of which happen beyond normal working hours,' he said.
Rari explained that under the proposed model, teachers would shift from the current five-day workweek to a six-day schedule.
He stated that the model would see teachers compensated for 26 days, four more than the current structure by extending their weekday hours by one hour and working three hours on Saturdays.
“This adds up to eight extra working hours per week, equivalent to one full workday. Thus, it justifies compensation for 26 days in a month,” Rari elaborated.
He added that Saturday work would only be required when there is actual work provided by the employer, whilst any hours beyond the proposed additions including Sundays would be classified and paid as overtime.
Rari also pointed out that overtime compensation currently does little to improve teachers’ financial standing as it does not contribute to pensions, medical aid, or creditworthiness making the 26-day model a more sustainable solution.
Despite the parliamentary setback, BOSETU plans to take the matter to the negotiating table.
“This remains an issue of interest that can be resolved through negotiation with the employer. Even if Parliament had agreed in principle, the specifics of implementation were still going to be subject to negotiations,' he said.
The union insists that the proposed model offers a practical remedy to long-standing concerns around teacher workload, professional recognition, and equitable compensation.
As the education sector continues to grapple with morale and retention challenges, BOSETU's determination to pursue reform through dialogue signals that the debate over teacher remuneration is far from over.