The union’s secretary-general, Kaboda Philip spearheaded the tour which touched such places as Gumare, Maun, Nata, Francistown, Tonota, Palapye and Mahalapye.
For the retired members, it was both a surprise and a welcome relief as BOGOWU doled out money to each of them to help themselves, especially during these difficult times.
Interestingly, the retired members form the bulk of the membership who established the trade union back in 2003.
The fact that 19 years later their union can tour the country and dole out money to them is testimony that BOGOWU has experienced growth and stability enough to support retired members meaningfully.
According to Phillip, the union embarks on this effort every year. He said they also identify the less privileged of their retired members and how the trade union can extend a hand in assisting them to live dignified lives.
Phillip added BOGOWU’s case-by-case charitable funds have in the past assisted retired and active members to stabilise their lives, take care of their emergency health needs, as well as upgrade their qualifications.
He said along with charitable funds, BOGOWU provides affordable loan schemes to its members.
Phillip estimates that the trade union membership has today reached 20,000 and counting. The growth is attributed in part to BOGOWU’s leadership stability and its membership-focused programmes which include legal representation when members have legal disputes with the employer.
The Phillip said BOGOWU has spread its wings from a trade union for industrial class workers in the beginning to a more diversified workers union as the membership is drawn from a wide section of public service workers.
Their steady growth over the years shows itself in the acquisition of vehicles and office space they occupy at their address at African Mall, a big leap from their tiny office days when the union started.
For the BOGOWU retired members, the continued doling of money to them is perhaps more than just a display of care and love, but a declaration that the trade union has grown and reached self-sustenance, thanks to good stewardship.
