BDP man appointed to head Bargaining Council

The Botswana Federation of Public Service Unions (BOFEPUSU) claims that it has agreed to the appointment of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) activist Modiri Mbaakanyi to the Public Sector Bargaining Council (PSBC) for the sake of progress. Mbaakanyi, who is a BDP finance committee member has been appointed to chair the PBSC, the body responsible for negotiating conditions of service for public servants. BOFEPUSU said the council agreed that the chairperson should be someone knowledgeable in labour matters and who can direct the council well.

The criterion was that a suitable candidate must have a degree in law. The federation then suggested names of competent people and government came up with Mbaakanyi who does not have a law degree. Apparently the government representatives told BOFEPUSU leaders that they cannot nullify the appointment because it was done after 'instructions from above'.