Dramatis personae of the Mother of All Strikes

Khama
Khama

Monday last week marked five years since the historic civil servants industrial action which attracted over 90,000 workers around the country. Initially, the strike was planned to last for 10 days but was prolonged to eight weeks, as the government would not entertain a 16 percent increment demanded by workers. Government offered five percent. Below, Mmegi staff writer CHAKALISA DUBE assesses the role played by five major players during the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) strike in 2011 dubbed the mother of all strikes.

Johnson Motshwarakgole

The success of the strike can be attributed to Motshwarakgole, BOFEPUSU labour secretary. He gave the strike political direction. Motshwarakgole, an experienced trade unionist, is someone who wields much power and is often listened to.

Editor's Comment
Our food safety matters

We commend the GCC inspectors for their vigilance in uncovering serious hygiene violations at establishments like Pick 'n Pay (South Ring Mall), Bravo Restaurant (Main Mall), Chicken Twist (Bonnington), Spar (Main Mall Bakery and Butchery), Choppies Butchery, Pie Time, and Fours Bakery. Their decisive action which includes temporary closures, confiscation of unsafe food, and laying charges sends a powerful, necessary message: food safety is...

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