Boko sets tone for BNF response to Khama

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday November 11, 2010 00:00

 

Responding to Khama's State of the Nation Address, Boko said the approach taken by the government in denying the existing examination crisis, shows contempt for teachers.

'Are we shocked that this president is contemptuous of education? No,' Boko exclaimed. Teachers have long sacrificed, accompanying students on trips, without per diem and working beyond working hours without pay. He decries the fact that the teachers have now become more aware of their rights and are firm in asserting them. They have moved away from their previous natural impulse of silence and docile acceptance,' he said.

Boko said though the same courts that president Khama has exalted in his address have adjudged that invigilation is not part of the normal duties of a teacher, the President is failing to act and solve the crisis created by the impasse between teachers and the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) over invigilation. He said President Khama does not appreciate the scale of risk he has put on people's children.

'A learned judge has ruled that invigilation is outside the scope of teaching and that teachers can do that on a voluntary basis. Now there are veiled threats to teachers. Some will not be promoted. In a calculated and orchestrated manner some will be frustrated,' he said.

Boko said it is sad that when trade unions are trying to assert workers' rights, they are accused of dabbling in politics. They are simply demanding what is due them,' he said.

 Boko also used the occasion to reveal that MP Olebile Gaborone rejected the offer of an additional member's position in the BNF central committee. Gaborone has since defected to the ruling BDP.

During the run-up to the BNF's congress in July, Boko and Gaborone were contenders for the presidency until the eleventh hour when Gaborone pulled out charging Boko with membership of the National Democratic Front (NDF).Boko said for one to turn against the very principles he has stood for all his political life and denigrate them is a serious blight on one's credibility.

However, Boko acknowledged that Gaborone's statements that the BNF was replete with problems of membership cards administration, disunity and others are legitimate concerns, 'but he doesn't acknowledge the role he played in this paralysis.'

He added: 'I don't think the proper course for a leader is to fold his arms and run and in this case, run to the enemy.' Asked if he was bitter about the loss, Boko responded: 'Yes. It's a loss because he was a leader and an MP in our party.  But I don't have time to be bitter. I am busy fighting this cause.

'I am the BNF personified and even if you don't want to acknowledge that, appreciate the fact that BNF members have elected me to be a leader,' he said.