Reacting to the SONA, various unions shared similar concerns on the need for improved relations between government and unions. They expressed worry over the collapse of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) and hoped the new administration will work harmoniously with unions while at the same time improving the working conditions of the workforce. BOFEPUSU According to the Botswana Federation of Public Private and Parastatals Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) publicity secretary, Oreeditse Nyatso, the SONA covered their expectations on the issue of the economy. Nyatso said everyone is concerned about the economy and its sustainability so they are glad that the President touched on the issue and admitted to challenges besieging it. He said, Boko, committed to offer both immediate and long-term solutions to reform the economy.
He stated that they were equally happy because of a commitment to carry out a financial and forensic audit. “This is coupled with the commitment to strengthen the oversight institutions because as workers our main worry has always been the independence of oversight institutions and whether they are capacitated enough to take on the Executive, Legislature and whether the Judiciary is independent enough to rule fairly and to protect human rights and justice,’’ said Nyatso. He added that they didn’t expect the President to speak on the PSBC as they believe it is an issue they will table with the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs. He stated that the federation will take the minister into confidence regarding the problems pertaining to the PSBC and proposed solutions. However, he said the President touched on the civil service reform and training civil servants on accountability and performance. BOFEPUSU said these are the issues that will be bargained for at the PSBC. Slamming the past regime, Nyatso said it was a nightmare to deal with administrators who felt that everything is fine when everyone could see that there are challenges. BONU Secretary-general of the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU), Lebogang Phillip, expressed hope that government will work well with nurses and midwives in the envisaged transformation and inclusiveness as the system has always prejudiced them on several issues. Phillip argued that in the past four years nurses were affected by unemployment because the government introduced temporary nurses which they have always condemned.
