Chaos at BOBEU electoral conference

Lindiwe Mozola | Tuesday October 18, 2016 18:00

 

This was said by the Botswana Vaccines Staff Union (BVSU) chairman, Elliot Modise who was part of the team that conducted the BOBEU elections during the three-day BOBEU 23rd Biennial General Conference held here last week.

The elections were marred by controversies forcing some of the delegates to leave the elections venue. It took seven hours of arguments before elections commenced and some delegates were complaining that Gaborone branches came in large numbers with intention to dominate the elections.

Modise noted that the system the union was using was very poor for a big union like BOBEU, which has been in existence for more than 20 years.

“When delegates boycott the elections, it’s a sign that something is wrong. You need to be a team to ensure the success of your union. If you are divided, I am afraid you are going to lose members. It is my first time witnessing such disorganised elections; as a big union you have to treat your elections with seriousness just like national elections,” a stressed Modise advised though.

He added: “You need to forge a relationship with BFTU to learn more on the conducting of elections because it is clear enough that there are a lot of gaps that need to be closed. You must know that elections are a huge part of the union because you are choosing people that will present your grievances to the employer, therefore if the elections cause such havoc and divisions, I am afraid for the survival of this union”.

BVSU secretary general, Thusang Butale who was also part of the elections conducting team, shared the same sentiments, advising the delegates to also do away with the system of nominating candidates but allow only volunteering members. “For those who volunteer, it comes straight from the heart and they have the passion to drive the union to success.

Actually, it also promotes accountability since they will always know that they put themselves in the line, hence will not put the blame on anyone else on the basis that they were nominated by the delegates.”

The ballot system was used for the elections and the new BOBEU national executive committee (NEC) was ushered in. They included Jayson Chakalisa from Standard Chartered, who is the new chairperson. and Portia Lepono from Barclays as his deputy.

Lebogang Keabetswe is the new secretary general with Oscar Mapolanka as her deputy and the new treasure is Portia Modimooteng.Additional committee members are Millis Tlhoro, Tshepo Lekote, Edwin Tlale and Mokhadi Konyane.