BOSETU statement on Matsha College students accident

Correspondent | Thursday November 19, 2015 16:15

 

We regret, and we are deeply pained by the sudden and untimely loss of such young, precious, and promising lives.

We  as well wish them any injuredwho remain hospitalised a speedy recovery and good health.

While we have regard for thesensitivity and emotionality of this matter, it is worth noting howeverthat, BOSETU as a TradeUnion organising in the education sector has since 1999 made its position very clear that,itis against the use of open trucks to ferry students, and has in the past waged some spirited campaigns against the practice.

The pressure from BOSETU resulted in government buying a few buses in 2004 that were deployed in some district councils.But even then, government never  denounced the policy of using open trucks to ferry students and it continued unabated.

We once again, as it has always been BOSETU’s stand, urge those of ourmembers and teachers in general who have been party to the ferrying of students using open trucks, to with immediate effect cease to do so.

We note that this is a national calamity where many lives have been lost, and as such we urge government to establish a committee to carry out a holistic inquiry on the incident for the benefit of the relatives and friends of the deceased, and indeed the whole nation. It is on the basis of the report that appropriate action could be taken.In conclusion, we would like to pass our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, the entire community of Matsha Community College and indeed the nation of Botswana.

Thank you, Tobokani Rari

Secretary General