Monakwe's Road To The Top

Olefile Fast Monakwe PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Olefile Fast Monakwe PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Olefile Fast Monakwe’s two and a half years at the helm of the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), one of the largest trade unions in Botswana with 35,000 members, is the stuff of legends.

In August 2018, four months towards the BOPEU elective congress, Monakwe was nowhere near the seat of power. Masego Mogwera was the president, Martin Gabobake, the first deputy president and Ogaufi Tilly Masame the second deputy president, with Thabologo Galekhutle being the treasurer, and Topias Marenga and Kethapeleng Karabo as secretary-general and deputy secretary-general respectively.

When the first rebellion was staged in August 2018, marking the beginning of a protracted tussle for power, the antagonists who battled against Mogwera in the courts were NEC members, Masame, Motswaledi Monaiwa and Philemon Zibani, who led a number of the court cases. They were the de facto leaders of the faction.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up