BMWU, gov't attitudes thaw conditionally
Friday, January 25, 2019
The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) was irked by the government’s decision to place Tati Nickel and BCL mines under liquidation.
It held a strong view that the group’s mines were profitable and its operations could have been reconfigured to ensure that they remained running. The government held a different view.
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...