Kadimo Oremeng
14 March 2008
opinion
Gaborone — I humbly request to be accorded space in your newspaper. I do have a feeling that our civil servants are underpaid and this is the cause for both laxity and laziness within the government enclosure.
In a scientific experiment we have what is referred to as a catalyst to promote the reaction of the compound. I am not a scientist or an economist, so may my human frailty be excused to avoid that ferocity from those who feel that our civil servants are lazy or lax.
But let me as well substantiate my contention for feeling that these people deserve both credit and praise. I have heard almost all those attending kgotla meetings praising President Festus Mogae for having fought the HIV/AIDS pandemic, let us pause here and ask if Mogae works at any of the hospitals in this country, the answer is obviously no.
It is the civil servants and other stakeholders who heeded Mogae's plea to fight the scourge.
During the 1980's when I was a civil servant, so many cars were stolen on a daily basis, but our police fought this calamity, so why not pay the civil servants adequately. As of now the D.C.E.C is fighting tooth and nail to curb the other omen called corruption. The economy of this country is being applauded by other nations.
So the civil service is the engine that drives this economy, of course not forgetting our private sector. It is a common and natural phenomenon that there is always going to be those within a society who will perform below par.
But this can be dealt with separately instead of blaming the whole service. So let us not lambaste the civil service with judgment full of myopia. I listened with pain on the 10th of March 2008 to the Masaasele Program where some of the callers castigated the civil servant without reasoning broadly. The reason that there is peace and tranquility in Botswana is because of both our politicians and civil servants who create such an atmosphere.
So why can't they be paid adequately? As long as the economy is prudently managed and corruption eradicated, the civil service can also be awarded 30 percent to 35 percent salary increases.
Batswana are very poor. We are told that where these Japanese and Singaporean cars come from people enjoy a good standard of living and these cars are no more allowed on their roads. What is it that we cannot emulate? Botswana is a blessed country.
We have never fought wars like our neighbours. We are not dangerously susceptible to natural disasters. So the feeling is that we must not create hardships for the people of this country by either starving or abusing them.
So let civil servants be paid deserving salaries. I urge my government to fulfill Vision 2016 and be compassionate, just and caring nation.
The reason that we have a responsible and accountable opposition is simply that we are a God's people. But of course not despising other nations that are facing some internal strife. I wish God come to their side and create peace within their land.
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