Well known trade union activist cum-businessman Pelotshweu Baeng was this week announced as the chairperson for the ruling party's labour sub-committee. Until the announcement, Baeng’s close association with the ruling party was not widely known. Baeng is known as a fierce trade unionist. He relentlessly fought for the rights of the workers during his time as the president of Botswana Land Boards and Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU).
He is best remembered for playing a leading role during the 2011 civil servants’ strike. He was among those who gave the strike political direction. He was also influential in the strategic planning of the strike and provided wise counsel to the likes of Rari and Ketlhalefile Motshegwa who was still wet behind the ears in terms of trade unionism. During the strike, Baeng was also able to shrug off the BDP government’s often intimidating and intensive public relations exercise. His recent appointment has to some extent rekindled hope that the committee will be able to come with solid suggestions (to government) meant to improve the overall welfare of the working class. The sub-committee is considered a think tank to the government on labour matters.
