Galane Gold to retrench again
Friday, April 25, 2014
Process plant at Galane Gold. PIC KEOAGILE BONANG
At the beginning of last year Galane Gold retrenched more than half of the 131 workforce, leading to a protracted battle with the unions who wanted the mine to reverse the decision.
While the company is mum on the issue, the Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) secretary general Bob Malele has confirmed the impending retrenchments, saying there were likely to start on May 6.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...