A Response To "BMWU Wants Tlhagale Out"

| Monday February 1, 2010 00:00

In as much as I had preferred not to reply, it is apparent that those who have confidence in my ability to lead are anxious that an explanation is necessary to dispel the myth which may have been created by those who thrive on falsehood and to offer the public my side of the story.

This response did not come out immediately because I had to consult with relevant organs of the Union, namely the Selebi-Phikwe Branch Committee to afford them a chance to state their position, if any and the National Executive Committee (NEC) to obtain authority to reply.

Today I have not been able to establish the motive of the person or members who originates the story except to establish the writer's lack of respect for the Union's procedures used to table grievances. For example, to purport that; 'BMWU wants Tlhagale out' is completely misleading since such a motion has never been brought before any union structure. Therefore does not have support of the minimum two thirds majority of the General Council (GC) members needless to mention of the delegates congress which is required by the BMWU constitution. In a nut shell, an individual or group of members or a branch whichever the case may be cannot claim to be speaking on behalf of BMWU unless they have acquired the minimum two third majority for that which they wish to pass under the name of the union.The problem is compounded by according to the Monitor, the alleged members' preference to remain anonymous as it would be difficult to meet their needs simply because they are unknown. Assuming, they are bona fide members then they have no reason to hide as they ought to know that the union as a public organisation resolves its problems through transparent and constructive engagement.

It cannot afford to run on gossip or trumped up accusations by any stretch of imagination. For Monitor's informers to claim, that I run the union like a personal property is untenable as the union is run by the NEC which is made up of ten members at the head of which there is a chairman. Another is the union parliament called the General Council which is a committee of forty eight members.

These committees seat at least six times and bi-annually respectively to make decisions on how best the union should be run. In fact, all branches are represented by their chairpersons, secretaries and full time shop stewards in the General Council and are answerable for the decisions they make or implement including unimplemented resolutions.

Any attempt to ignore these structures and or seek to impose any other set-up would not only be rebellious but unconstitutional as well.

Matters relating to the BCL mine LHD drivers' and the dismissed machine men's cases have been dealt with internally with the affected and the Selebi Phikwe branch committee. These cases were drafted and filed with the Industrial Court by union lawyers. Admittedly, there have been delays in settling these disputes and others which arise from the protracted nature of the labour dispute settlement mechanism of the court which is beyond control of the union or its legal representatives.

Accusations insinuating ineptness on my part or that of the NEC regarding these cases can only be red herrings. As for the Financial Audit it is also being carried out in line with applicable legislation by a certified audit company known to all organs of the union. Therefore the matter does not deserve further comments.

I have already explained my position in regard to allegations that I am campaigning for the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) elections at the time of the interview with the reporter. But because new accusations have arisen in the article which were not made known to me it is trite that the facts are straightened. I have not run any course at BFTU or within BMWU structures as this is a responsibility for the Education and Training wing of the union manned by different people and has nothing to do with me.

Again, I believe that in leadership one has to be guided by good principles coupled with good performance rather than a narrow election gimmick. In relation to BMWU affiliation fees they are paid monthly per BFTU general council resolution. Any statement to the contrary is incorrect and does more to show the malicious inclination of my assailant.

There is also the tragic failure of the writer, to put to me all the allegations she had to investigate against me. It is disturbing that she went out of her way to hide all except to ask of me; 'how would you react if some members said they do not like your leadership style'? As if this was the only issue.

It would appear she had vested interest to side with her informers and trampled on the basic principle of fair reporting in this matter judging by her concealment of details which gives credence to naked bias on her part. I hope this concern will not be misconstrued to mean I dislike media interviews or that I would like to limit the freedom of any journalists with respect to BMWU affairs. Not at all but I hope I have enough to show that 'BMWU wants Tlhagale out' is without merit and deserves to be disregarded with the contempt it deserves.

Jack Tlhagale
General Secretary