In honour of a legend of Botswana labour - Cde Klaas Motshidisi

 The late Motshidisi
The late Motshidisi

This morning [Tuesday] BOPEU Shopstewards in Palapye attending Module 3 of the Shopstewards Programme, observed a minute of silence in honour of Rre Klaas Motshidisi, a stalwart of Labour.

Rre Klaas was the founder and leader of Botswana Trade Union Congress (BTUC), which was a rival to the Botswana Federation of Labour (BFL), led by Gabriel Mmusi. BTUC was aligned to the then radical Botswana People’s Party led by Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, the composer of our national anthem, ‘Fatshe Leno La Rona’. BFL was aligned to the BDP, led by Bangwato chief Seretse Kgama.

With Government support for a joint education programme under the Botswana Trade Union Education Centre, BTUC and BFL merged to form the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) in April 1977, led by Frank Mzizi from the Railway Union.

Editor's Comment
Diamond deal demands transparency

Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...

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