Boko attacks BDP, AP on Labour Day
Lebogang Mosikare | Friday May 3, 2019 12:08
The UDC firebrand further appealed to workers that they should not dare vote for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) if at all they are serious about liberating themselves from poverty and oppressive laws.
Ahead of the Labour Day commemoration in Francistown many predicted that fireworks were likely to erupt at the event. It was the first time in many years that the ruling BDP and the country’s opposition parties joined all major trade unions to commemorate the day under one roof.
Both President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Alliance for Progressives (AP) vice president Wynter Mmolotsi adopted a calm demeanor and diplomatic tone when addressing the workers.
However, Boko used the moment to attack the ruling party and its policies. He also used the occasion to solicit support for his troops ahead of the much-anticipated general elections.
In a very carefully crafted speech the UDC leader appeared to be punching holes in Masisi’s address delivered earlier on at the event.
“We have come a long way back (relationship between Boko and unions) and since then I have heard promises. From different ruling party leaders those promises still echo through the tunnels of time. Those promises are being repeated day after day. Those promises were repeated again today by no less a person than a head of state. I heard these promises before,” Boko said.
He further highlighted, “They are authors of your misfortune. They have been power and in government for over 50 years. Who do they think they are to come here and make the same old and tired promises they have made over the years?”
By constantly making empty promises Boko said that the ruling party was not being sincere to the plight of the workers.
“I listened to these promises and I know you listened too. You listened to the tones of voice. If you listened to that you gain access to the humanity or lack of it from the person making these promises. When you listen closely you are able to appreciate the interiority of the person speaking. You can see whether they are sincere or bluffing. The BDP is not sincere,” he said.
He added that going to the polls workers should also be alive to the brutal past memories and episodes that some of their colleagues suffered at the expense of the BDP government when they were fighting for their rights.
“It aches my consciousness when I remember those who lost their jobs in 2011 in that epic strike. I remember the brutal episodes of 460 workers in Jwaneng and Orapa who lost their jobs fighting for their rights. It aches in my consciousness,” Boko said, adding that workers know which party they should vote for if they want to lead meaningful lives.
Boko further told workers that platforms such as the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC), which can help workers effectively fight for the their rights have been deliberately collapsed by the BDP government.
He stated that the government has conspired to undermine the PSBC and right of workers who are supposed to be represented at the forum. When making a ‘solemn’ pledge that the UDC will pay a living wage of P3,000 to the lowest paid workers in the country, if voted into power, Boko appeared to be launching what appeared to be a veiled attack on the AP.
He said that there is no-need to carry out research to determine what the country’s economy can afford as a minimum wage. Boko said that by hypothetically assessing the lives of Batswana and the country’s economy it is easy to tell that P3,000 is sustainable as living wage.
The AP has said that it will use research to revise and implement the minimum wage. The party said that it does not want a blanket figure (as minimum wage) that covers all sectors. It noted that a blanket figure could kill small medium enterprises that are mostly owned by Batswana.
Masisi made several promises to the workers in his address on May Day. He said the government is currently reviewing labour laws to close gaps in the acts and to align them with its obligations under the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“I am also informed that the development of the Decent Work Country Programme for Botswana is at an advanced stage. I am equally happy to inform you that negotiations to improve conditions of service for public servants will be finalised by June this year,” he said.
Masisi also emphasised the importance of resuscitating the PSBC.
“Substantial progress has been made so far, as a Technical Team comprising government and all the eight public sector unions, is working to develop a constitution for the Public Service Bargaining Council,” he said adding that he will do his best to ensure that the PSBC is resuscitated.