Ryder Gabathuse
1 April 2008
Francistown — After intense lobbying, the Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) three-day triennial congress elected a new leadership last Sunday at the Tati River Lodge.
In a show of trust, delegates chose former BCL mine employee, Golekanye Mogende as chairman in place of the militant Chimbidzani Chimidza. Mogende was previously the deputy chairman.
Rex Dambula, a BCL employee was elected Mogende's deputy while Jack Tlhagale, a former Debswana employee was retained as secretary. Sebataladi Ramoitoi from Jwaneng mine was roped in as Tlhagale's deputy in place of Maenge Maenge from Botash mine in Sowa Town.
Joyce Letshelea from De Beers prospecting ousted BMWU veteran, Lentsifetse Masilo from the treasurer's position. Additional members include Annah Zanero (Botash), Stella Bua (Kgale Quarries), Happy Bashe (Debswana Jwaneng mine), Kabelo Maano (Tati Nickel mine) and Davis Mapongo from the BCL mine.
Tlhagale said yesterday that the elections were free and fair. "The congress delegates have chosen their preferred leadership in a cordial atmosphere and this is what we wanted for the prosperity of the union," he asserted.
Although he did not go into details, he said that the constitutional amendment was done smoothly at the congress. "We might have taken a long time through our programme but in the end, we have succeeded in what we gathered for at the Tati River Lodge."
The ousted chairman, Chimidza has accepted the fate of the delegates saying that the people have chosen leaders of their choice. He stressed that the elections were free and fair. "I believe that the people should always choose the leaders of their choice without any coercion like it was the case over the weekend. I am really cool with their decision," he said yesterday.
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