BOSETU stands firm behind school sport
Mosah Mokganedi | Wednesday March 26, 2014 11:16
BOSETU publicity secretary, Solomon Batsietswe said they recognise the important role sport plays in the life of learners and that is why they have made the decision though they disagree on the remuneration of teachers handling extra-curricular activities in schools. Speaking at the launch of the Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) athletics national finals sponsorship in Gaborone on Monday, Batsietswe said some quarters have always questioned the motive behind BOSETU sponsoring government schools through BISA.
“We are a group of professionals and we know what we are doing,” he explained. He said while they continue to negotiate with the employer (government), they will continue their support for BISA. Batsietswe appreciated the commitment that some teachers have shown in sports despite the challenges. “Just like every educator, teachers who take part in sport have the right to work eight hours only,” he said.
He said teachers who often volunteer to take part in sports are subjected to abuse by their superiors when they demand what is due to them. He said their issue is failure to pay overtime and granting off days to teachers who handle sports in schools.
He said supervisors always have issues with teachers who want to take days off.
Meanwhile, BISA president, Joshua Gaotlhobogwe said they are currently preparing for the Confederation of School Sports Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA). He said the preparations have depleted their coffers but sponsors have chipped in to rescue them.
Athletics finals will be held over the weekend in Gaborone, where a team to represent Botswana during the COSSASA Games will be selected. Most of the athletes who will take part in the finals will represent Botswana at the Gaborone Africa Youth Games in May.