For the longest time the two parties have been negotiating over issues surrounding the invigilation and administration of examinations by teachers. Teachers through their unions have in the past complained that they are saddled with responsibility that do not fall within their core business of teaching and administering school generated tests and examinations. The contention held by teachers, represented by the two organizations is that national examinations are the responsibility of BEC. As a consequence teachers have argued that BEC as the custodian of these examinations should negotiate with teachers if interested in contracting their services.
We are all aware that last year a near crisis was averted when teachers at the secondary school cadre threatened to boycott the marking of the Junior Certificate and Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education (BGCSE). In the end the two warring parties pulled off their punches and sanity prevailed.
