Khama openly snubs the workers in his 2014 SONA

Correspondent | Monday December 1, 2014 11:25

 

In his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Khama dedicates a vague line (not paragraph) to the workers in his 116 paragraph speech.

He states that “Having successfully weathered the storm of the economic downturn, we can look forward to better days ahead, with economic growth buttressed by reduced inflation. These positive trends should allow us to revive some of our postponed projects, along with outstanding issues affecting the conditions of service among public employees”.

This was the only phrase he made about the workers. All the previous years, HE addressed workers under two comprehensive separate paragraphs, Labour and Home Affairs as well as under Public Service. While the country is relatively rich, the wealth is still not equitably distributed as the working class are still poor and their salaries have been stagnant for years now. UDC position is that workers have to be given priority and government should ensure their improved condition of service.

In the same breadth, the President expressed interest in diversifying the economy through foreign direct investment and outlined a number of other key initiatives that will develop this country. To his credit, he has come with a Social Protection services plan for the vulnerable groups. The plan would have been good if juxtaposed and balanced with Public Service and Labour plans. While Khama has declared that he is for the vulnerable groups, he is equally duty bound to also motivate and recognise the workers so that they drive the economic, social and political sectors of this country in the next five years. Because of the devastating historic 2011 public sector strike and the recent call for regime change by public sector employees in the 2014 general elections, we can hypothetically deduce that Khama is angry with the workers, who ironically, are tax payers and are paying through their noses for his upkeep and the government. A street toddler who loses his cool due to a rough tackle, would collect his valuable plastic ball and walk away from the other players, upsetting an otherwise bright and jolly afternoon. In this instance, Khama cannot walk away from the other key players, who are working hard to drive this nation to prosperity.

This country is run by both private and public sector workers, and the nation want to hear about the state of labour, public service and what laws, policies, programmes and initiatives are in store for them. This is very critical as the workforce does not expect the President to pounce on them with far reaching legislative amendments. The President made it clear in the past his intention to amend the Public Service and Trade Dispute Acts soon, as vengeance against the untameable public service, especially teachers and other cadres who are seen as essential.

A re-read of his previous SONA, dating back to his maiden 2008 SONA speech up to 2013, clearly shows that President Khama should update the nation on what transpired under labour and public service. A thorough progress report and accountability is needed, especially that this marks his last term.

In his maiden 2008 SONA, Khama talked of promotion of mutual interest between labour and employer; social dialogue and promotion of quality life and productivity of labour force; public service standards; introduction of e-service. He said labour intensive public works were a short term job creation programme, but will now become a permanent programme.

He said that the success of all of these programmes, projects and initiatives will require effective monitoring and evaluation, to allow us to track progress and redirect our plans as appropriate... He said that “development requires accountability and commitment. To achieve such discipline, six monthly reviews have been instituted across all branches of Government, by which Ministers and Permanent Secretaries are held accountable and are rated for the performance of their Ministries. I also have quarterly briefings with all Ministries. I have further warned that failure to perform, at both the political and official level, will have consequences” (SONA 2008).

In 2009, Khama added the principle of “delivery”. He called on the re-doubling of anti-corruption efforts so as to maintain Botswana’s status as Africa’s least corrupt country. He also spoke of adopting standards of service in both public and private sector; implementing a broader e-government strategy; Human Resource Management strategy; improvement in performance by most ministries; business re-engineering; labour inspections, trade dispute resolution, social security protection, the registration of job seekers and promoting good industrial relations, occupational safety and health and workers’ compensation; social dialogue, the planned establishment of an independent dispute resolution service and development of an action programme; trade unions pivotal role as the watchdogs of worker interests. (SONA 2009).

In his 2010 SONA, Khama stated that there will be constant productivity improvement of our workforce in both public and private sector. He commended the public service for improved service delivery across the public sector. In a jolly mood, he said that the government shall continue to uphold workers rights and will remain supportive of labour (SONA 2010).

In 2011, Khama’s tone changed as he expressed concern about the effects of the longest public sector strike in Botswana. He condemned those who were on the legal strike and praised those who were not. This was seen as very divisive. Khama further re-assured the nation on upholding the labour laws without fear or favour; re-affirmed Government commitment to working with the Unions” (SONA 2011).

In 2012 SONA, Khama spoke of “harmonious industrial relations; legislative gaps and administrative inefficiencies and employers to achieve win-win outcomes; amendments to the Trade Disputes Act to overcome unnecessary delays in resolving disputes; developing a National Occupational Health and Safety Policy to improve productivity and working conditions; review of the Public Service Act of 2008; operational Public Service Bargaining Council; the 2012 salary negotiations that were concluded, reflecting Government’s commitment to the welfare of public officers” (SONA 2012). HE had expressed some reservations against some trade unions and wanted the PSA to be reviewed.

In 2013, his Excellency stated importance of implementing government plans, policies and programmes; public sector performance; engagement of consultancy on public service conditions of service; restructuring of DPSM for policy direction and monitoring. *Editor’s Note: This Letter Has been edited for length

Justin Hunyepa