BDP booed out of teachers' congress
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday August 28, 2014 07:00
PALAPYE: Sechele was among other representatives of political parties such as Botswana Congress Party, and Umbrella for Democratic Change, on a mission to deliver a solidarity message on behalf of his party, the BDP.
However, the congress turned nasty when Sechele was introduced and delegates started jeering at him, disrupting his speech shouting “a e ye” (to hell!). The same attitude was not unleashed on representatives of other parties Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang (BCP secretary general) and Ndaba Gaolathe of the UDC.
Sechele, told the congress that he had to deviate from the speech, since he could see from the reception he received that his party was not welcome at the event.
“I was among the pioneers of what has now become BOSETU, when together with colleagues in the mid-eighties we came up with an organisation called BOFESETE, which you have since renamed BOSETU,” he told the audience that was not in a mood to listen to him.
“As much as you will be shouting at me and even throwing your missiles, be aware that you are doing that to a person who is one of you,” he said as the murmurs of disapproval continued unabated.
After he took his seat, more noise ensued, this time accompanied by a standing ovation directed at the next speaker, Dr Gobotswang, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Secretary General.
The same positive gesture was extended to Gaolathe, who displayed his party’s symbol immediately after addressing the delegates. The audience burst into the late Gomolemo Motswaledi’s favourite song; ‘Morena o ba etele’ marching to the front.
Meanwhile Gobotswang said a lot needs to be done to restore teachers’ dignity and said the teachers are concerned with government’s attitude towards the bargaining council.
He challenged government to ensure they walk the talk since they claimed to be determined to improve the welfare of teachers.
“Teachers must not be perceived as irritants when they advocate for their rights and welfare. The absence of the substantive political head at the Ministry of Education also compounds problems within the education system. All of them (heads) are acting,” he added sarcastically.
He further said that unions’ should vote for political leaders with intellect and militancy, who can keep up with the current political regime of the country.
Ndaba on the other hand bemoaned that Batswana are not free in their own country and do not even trust their own leaders, adding that good people are sidelined by government in most vital activities.
“We need freedom for our people. Bring freedom back to our country. We have confidence that the union is powerful beyond measure to bring freedom back to the country,” he said.