Venson -Moitoi negotiates with teachers

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Monday November 15, 2010 00:00

 

After indicating that they were ready to talk, minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi and her assistant Keletso Rakhudu met with leaders of the Botswana Secondary Teachers Union (BOSETU), the Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) and the Secretary General of the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) and Trainers and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) last Thursday and recognised a need to resolve the ongoing impasse.

'It was a welcome gesture for them to open this window and say they are ready to talk. We are currently working on our position paper on our way forward with the marking. We have always waited for them to open the dialogue,' president of BOSETU Shandukani Hlabano said after the meeting.

The parties further went on to brief the all-party parliamentary caucus led by Venson-Moitoi. 'This is a matter of national concern and I think they appreciated that we have finally come around the table to start the discussions,' he said.

In a joint statement the parties agreed to find an amicable solution for parties in the national interest. They further agreed to keep each other abreast of all decisions that may affect both parties, to map the way forward about the current examinations and meet more often to discuss new developments concerning examinations especially after consulting with other members and stakeholders. The parties further agreed to maintain a cordial working relationship in order to avoid unnecessary confrontations.