Local government ministry blocks trade unions

 President Winston Radikolo delivering presidential address
President Winston Radikolo delivering presidential address

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is reportedly using district offices to bar trade unions from accessing classrooms in primary schools throughout the country for trade union agenda.

Reporting this worrying trend to the Minister of Education Dr Douglas Letsholathebe at the annual BOSETU conference that through their district offices, the local government has issued a directive to primary schools requesting unions to pay for the use of classrooms or staff rooms when staging cell membership meetings.

BOSETU feels that it and government of Botswana have duly ratified the ILO Convection 87 which is one of the fundamental conventions. The union is adamant that it has long passed the stage of fighting for the use of school facilities.


Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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