Forces warned against unions

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Friday January 20, 2012 00:00

He said this when addressing public servants working in Serowe on Wednesday evening at Lady Khama Community Hall.  The MP strongly warned that if the floodgates are opened then Botswana would never be an orderly nation.

Seretse was responding to a comment by Simon Kgaoganang, a public servant, during the address. Kgaoganang said the police and solders should be allowed to form unions. He said that in a democratic setup disciplined forces could not be denied freedom of association that is contained in the constitution.

He further said: 'The duty of solders and police as well as other disciplined forces is about national interest.'Seretse said if they form unions they will forget their national interest mandate that does not necessarily come along with payment but to protect the nation.

The MP said unionism overrides any other interests. He further stressed that members of the disciplined forces are extra ordinary and exceptional people therefore they should never be brought into politics.

'Countries that allowed their disciplined forces to unionise like South Africa are now regretting. So just leave disciplined forces out. I will fight this issue as long as I am the Minister of Justice Defence and Security and I know that I have the support of the nation behind me,' he added.

Seretse further stated that members of the disciplined forces have a national commitment and their rights are curtailed by the constitution.

Kgaoganang also urged government to consider allowing public servants to actively participate in politics as long as they do not practice politics during working hours. 'We are not even allowed to ask questions at political rallies,' he pointed out.

However, Seretse said partisan politics will never be allowed among public servants as workers would serve their political interests instead of showing allegiance to the ruling government. He added that those [workers] who are not members of the ruling government would not do what the government of the day expects them to do and it would also create suspicions. He said even the government would be compelled by circumstances to recruit only its party members to advance and safeguard her interests. Seretse appealed to public servants unions to embark on social responsibility initiatives. He urged them not to only think of themselves but also remember members of the community that need assistance.

He pledged that he would give the union full support on that initiative. 'Please this year let us forget about salary increments and think community social responsibility and I will fully support you,' he added.

Kgaoganang further pleaded with the minister that government should consider coming up with a national salary structure that would guide increments.