Kesebonye Is New BLLAHWU President
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday December 12, 2016 16:37
Thatayaone Kesebonye was elected the president of the union, with 174 votes to Bernard Moseru’s 126. He takes over from Disang Mokwape who did not contest the elections.
The position of first vice president went to Mandela Manyenyengwa who was unopposed. Tshekatsheko Lekang won the position of second vice president garnering 180 votes to 112 of Boemo Bato. Motshidisi Mafoko has been elected to deputise secretary general Ketlhalefile Motshegwa. He defeated Reuben Moeti (41 votes) and Witness Taziba (112) with 149 votes. Baone Seloka has taken the position of treasurer general while Tidimalo Roberts completes the new BLLAHWU central executive committee as the new secretary for arts, sports and culture after triumphing over Joseph Nlanda with 159 to 146 votes.
Interviewed by The Monitor afterwards, Kesebonye said that his first assignment would be to bring unity, stability and peace into the union.
He said that the leadership would also promote membership-centred control and allow the membership to make decisions for the union.
“As a mass democratic movement, we would allow the members to make decisions on issues that affect the future of the union,” he said.
He said the union would work to protect the interests and welfare of the working class with focus on successful representation of members. He also stated that they would be looking to assert their position on the international stage as an internationally admired union by speaking against social injustices in the society.
The retained secretary general, Motshegwa said the congress was peaceful and calm. He stated that members used the opportunity to introspect on the progress, health of the union and further map a way forward.
“The congress was happy with the health of the union and happy that the union is focused on members’ welfare issues. The elections went well and comrades who contested believe that it is BLLAHWU that has won and not individuals have won or lost,” Motshegwa said.
Motshegwa also said that the focus to unite BLLAHWU would continue after these elections. He said that the CEC would work to revive the structures, grow membership and advance workers’ issues. He further stated that BLLAHWU remains as the torchbearer of progressive labour politics in the country and loyal to working class agenda.