Oarabile Mosikare
1 December 2008
Francistown — Botswana Land Boards and Local Authorities Workers Union (BLLAWU) has termed mayor Honest Buti Billy's tirade against the labour movement as unfortunate and regrettable.
During his address to the full council meeting last week, Billy blasted union members who pursue political careers under the guise of trade unionism. "Given that genuine trade unions would naturally represent workers from across the political divide, they should avoid being hijacked by personal and partisan interests," Billy said.
Though Billy did not mention names, BLLAWU secretary general Moshe Noga said if the remarks were in reference to BLLAWU in particular, they were very unfortunate. He said it is shameful for politicians to always complain that people are pursuing political interests at trade unions.
"People always look at trade unions from a narrow point of view. They view them as people who are not supposed to be listened to in a republic," said the angered Noga.
"It would be foolhardy for any politician to think that trade unions would be relegated to the doldrums. We shall continue to pursue our agenda as trade unions guided by the working class ideology," he added.
Meanwhile, the BLLAWU members descend on Goodhope today for a five-day annual conference.
Noga disclosed that on the fourth day, the delegates will be required to fill two vacant posts. The posts became vacant after, vice president Samuel Kedise and national education coordinator Motelebane Motelebane took study leave from their employer in August.
Currently, one Kagiso Moreetsi is acting as vice president, while Monthusi Morwakwena is the interim national education coordinator. Noga did not disclose the names of people interested in the positions.
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