The Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) is currently hosting a five-day National General Conference at Majestic Five Hotel in Palapye, under the theme “Promoting Decent Work in the New Social Contract.” The conference, which is attracting significant attention, is addressing critical issues affecting public sector workers, with a strong emphasis on creating a new framework for improved working conditions.
The event was officially opened by the Minister for State President, Hon. Moeti Mohwasa, who highlighted the relevance of the theme within the context of Botswana’s new administration under President Duma Gideon Boko. Mohwasa stressed that the theme aligns perfectly with the government’s commitment to reviving the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC). He emphasized that this council plays a crucial role in fostering meaningful discussions between trade unions and the government, particularly on matters related to employees’ conditions of service such as remuneration packages, allowances, and human resource policies.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the PSBC in giving trade unions a platform to effectively engage with the government on these key issues. He reiterated that it is essential for both unions and the government to come together, collaborate, and engage in dialogue aimed at developing a better and more prosperous Botswana.
In support of this view, the President of BOPEU, Ms. Masego Mogwera, echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the new government’s commitment to upholding international best practices in its efforts to resuscitate the Bargaining Council and address workers’ grievances. This assurance from both the union leadership and the government signals a renewed focus on enhancing public sector workers’ rights and welfare.
During his address, Minister Mohwasa further outlined several key initiatives that the government is committed to introducing in the near future. These include the implementation of a P4,000.00 living wage, an allowance of P1,800.00 for pensioners, and the reduction of the qualifying age for pension benefits from 65 to 60 years. Additionally, the government plans to introduce a P2,500 students’ allowance. These interventions, Mohwasa stated, are designed to improve the standard of living for the people of Botswana.
Another critical issue raised by the Minister was the acute shortage of accommodation for public servants. Recognizing the challenge this poses, the government is exploring various financing options to help facilitate decent homeownership for public servants, which would further contribute to improving their quality of life.
The ongoing conference represents a crucial step towards strengthening the relationship between trade unions and the government, fostering a collaborative environment to address the pressing issues facing public sector workers in Botswana. Through these efforts, both parties aim to build a more inclusive and equitable public service system.
