Tensions rise at BMWU congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday September 29, 2015 11:13
The BMWU congress is held every four years where the executive committee has to account for the period and share the state of the union finances.
In all the four years, the outgoing committee’s books left a lot to be desired. Their three financial reports showed that some money could not be accounted for.
On Friday night, a day before the elections, tension could be felt between the two factions, one led by former vice president Joseph Tsimako and the other by Jack Tlhagale, whose ascendance to the national chairperson of BMWU position had been under the spotlight.
Tsimako, who was backed by former secretary general, Bob Malele and former deputy secretary general, Sebataladi Ramoitoi, challenged Tlhagale.
Many thought that Tlhagale would crumble under the unbearable tension looking at the mood of the congress on Friday.
Tsimako’s team was singing victory songs, but little did they know that things would turn ugly for them the following day.
Tlhagale’s camp called itself ‘Sekuta’. The Sekuta team swept all the positions of BMWU at the congress.
The elections that were supposed to start after lunch ended up beginning late in the evening at 7 pm. The delays were caused by arguments emanating from results of the reports, especially the 2014 treasurer’s report.
Some members blocked the start of the elections before the secretary general’s report was read and discussed. At some point some members threatened to take court action if the union leaders continued their insistence on going ahead with elections without taking their views into consideration.
It was only after the secretary general’s report was read and discussed that the elections started, a process that ended at 2.30 am.
Tlhagale requested his members to work together and stop fighting amongst themselves.
“I hope everyone has accepted the results and no one will be taking the union to court. This year’s election has been different from the 2011 elections since the members were determined on what they wanted. And they had also made us account without looking back,” Tlhagale said. He said it was the first time for their union members to vote according to factional lines and ensuring that the whole lobby list wins.
The new executive committee includes vice president, Norman Kelaotswe, general secretary, Moffat Ramokate, his deputy, Dominic Chaka, national treasurer, Kabo Ramatsipele, national chairperson for education Moreetsi Letsogile, national chairperson (SHE), Rex Tambula, national chairperson (gender and empowerment), Ramasoko Ebipile, national chairperson (organising), Desmond Seomeng, national chairperson (publicity), David Busang and the three trustees being Lesedi Keitirile, Thobo Molebatsi and Sam Dire.
While Tsimako could not be reached for comment, former BMWU secretary general, Malele said he prefers to have his say about the elections next week when he is back in the office.
“I think you have witnessed some of the things at the congress. It is not good for me to comment now until we have analysed the elections,” Malele said.