Ramabyaa ends Radibe's BTU era

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Friday April 9, 2010 00:00

 

Ramabyaa takes over from Japhter Radibe whose 16-year leadership ended with the constitution barring him from contesting after being forced into retirement by the Teaching Service Management (TSM) four years ago. The BTU constitution does not allow for a teacher who is not associated with any school to contest for any position.

The excited Ramabyaa said the teachers have demonstrated that they have much confidence and trust in him to lead them into the future. 'I was optimistic that I would win based on the fact that I was already a serving member and have a clear understanding of labour issues,' he said.

He explained that like any other leader he wants to build BTU into a union that will be admired locally and internationally through the involvement of all structures in the decision-making process. 'Those are the very people who can determine your next step if you want to continue being their leader and achieving the goals you have set for the organisation,' he said.

Ramabyaa said he would try to work closely with the employer (government) in addressing the teachers' working conditions. Concerning the merging of the public employees' union, Ramabyaa explained that he supports the idea whole-heartedly. He said it is important for the unions to speak with one voice as they are all advocating the same issues with the same employer. 'It will also be easier to reach out to the Bargaining Council because our numbers will reach the threshold required,' the ecstatic new BTU president said.

Ramabyaa, who is also Head of Department (Learning Difficulties) at Mophane Primary School in Gaborone, will be assisted by Simon Mapolelo from the Fraboto region. Ibo Kenosi from Francistown beat Keorapetse Kgasa as secretary general, a position he held for the past six years. Michael Mothibi, also from the Francistown region, won the post of deputy secretary general, while Mcedisi Rodger Solomon, became the new BTU treasurer after beating Victoria Mogapi, who had been holding the fort for the past few years.

The BTU congress of delegates ends today.