The Executive Committee of the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) will convene today to discuss accusations of maladministration contained in a letter BFTU president Japhta Radibe allegedly wrote to the organisation's secretary general.

The meeting failed last Friday when the committee failed to form a quorum.

The argument is that Radibe allegedly took the decision to write the controversial letter to Gadzani Mhotsha alone.

According to information reaching Mmegi, Mhotsha, who is out of the country on a two-week course, has been called to respond to "certain issues stated in the letter which we cannot divulge to the public for fear of tearing the BFTU apart", said a source, who requested anonymity.

It has emerged from different interviews with the members and affiliates of Botswana's biggest labour movement that the relationship between Radibe, Mhotsha and BFTU Treasurer Rachel Tshephe is not a rosy one. "The Executive Committee feels that they have to talk to the three to work together for the purpose of trade unionism," said another source.

Mhotsha, who is a fulltime employee of the BFTU, is regarded by many as a 'workaholic'. "He does many things for the BFTU," the source said. "It is a general feeling that others might feel overshadowed by his vision for the union. Maladministration is just an excuse to push Mhotsha from the union. He is the most hardworking fellow on the executive."

Radibe declined comment, saying the matter was still under discussion within the executive committee of the BFTU.