BOSETU to adopt new name

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Thursday September 2, 2010 00:00

 

Speaking to Mmegi, the secretary general Mogomotsi Motshegwe said congress resolved to open membership to pre-primary teachers, tertiary lecturers and other sectors of education. He explained that this means that BOSETU will no longer be a specialisation union. 'We want to keep the abbreviation the same for easy reference. We are still double-checking if the name that was a favourite amongst the delegates is available for use,' he said. 'We will make constitutional amendments to embrace the changes of membership and name to accommodate other sectors.

On other issues, the special congress that was attended by 212 delegates from different regional offices in the country resolved to terminate their affiliation with Botswana Federation of Trade Union (BFTU). According to Motshegwe the delegation further voted in favour of joining the newly formed Botswana Federation of Public Sector Union (BOFEPUSU).

'We are very happy that the congress found it very fit and proper to apply their minds without any outside influence,' he said.He explained that the congress was disappointed by the government delegation including the Education Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi who was invited to officiate but did not turn up on the last day. 'This was the platform to address teachers on pertinent issues and get to answer burning questions from them after the ushering of the new Public Service Act that was implemented in May,' Motshegwe stated.

'Their absence means that teachers would have to make their own decisions and take action on issues that have long been left without answers, like hours of work and external examinations. We are more than happy to negotiate with them though,' Motshegwe said.

The special congress that was held at Goodhope Senior Secondary School ended yesterday.