BMWU concerned over salary crisis at Masama
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday August 18, 2025 06:00
In a statement, the union condemned the situation as a deep injustice that has driven many mine workers and their families into severe financial distress.
The BMWU said the prolonged non-payment of wages represents not only a breach of contract but also a violation of human rights, warning that it undermines the principles of fairness and social justice on which Botswana’s labour system is built.
'The non-payment of wages cannot be treated as an afterthought as it is not only a breach of contract but a violation of human rights and a direct attack on the well-being of the working class,' the union highlighted.
The BMWU explained that it has held discussions with various stakeholders including government, the Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB), Minergy, and Meropa Resources in an attempt to resolve the issue.
'This unresponsiveness in the face of workers exceptional hardship undermines the very principles of fairness justice and social dialogue that should guide Botswana’s democratic and labour dispensation,” the union argued.
However, BMWU noted that these talks have yet to produce concrete results, describing the continued inaction as “deeply troubling”.
The union revealed that it has exhausted all options within its collective bargaining framework and has now turned to the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act, signalling its readiness to take the matter to court. Even so, the union emphasised its willingness to continue engaging all parties in search of a sustainable solution.
Meanwhile, the MDCB last week confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely and has been in discussions with stakeholders to address challenges facing Minergy and its contractors.
As part of its efforts, government has authorised MDCB to convert its debt into equity in Minergy, a move aimed at improving the company’s balance sheet and expediting the search for external funding.
The capital-raising efforts are intended to clear outstanding obligations, finance turnaround initiatives, and secure the company’s long-term strategic and beneficiation goals. MDCB said progress is being made in these engagements.