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.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...