Speaking at the event organised by the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) and the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), the secretary-general of the latter, Robert Rabasimane, did not mince words, accusing the President of "disrespecting trade union leadership and attempting to stifle independent labour bodies".The union leader's remarks followed President Boko's earlier remarks during the event, which Rabasimane suggested were demeaning. When talking about the country's economic challenges, the President had said Botswana is regarded as one of the most unequal economies in the world. Boko, who was animated during his speech, appeared to respond to the workers' struggle songs, which they sang on the occasion, as well as the union leaders, who had taken to the podium before him."Kgang e la e itse. Le ka e ithokomolosa kgotsa la iphaphamodisa, ga le e bolelelwa, mme ga le e rutwe ke ope. (You know this issue.
You can try to ignore it or appear shocked when you are told about it, but you know it very well.)"The majority of our people subsist in the margins of the economy; it's a fact, it's an economic reality. I found it; it wasn't created by me. I found it. I inherited this dysfunctional economic system.
I should tell you ke sa le lopele," he said.Rabasimane said Boko appeared intent on muzzling and forcing unions “to dance to his tune”, a move he firmly rejected. He further criticised the President’s tone when addressing leaders, describing it as abrasive and unbefitting of the highest office in the land.“The President will make Batswana lose respect for the Office of the President,” Rabasimane said. “Even those who once admired him may begin to reconsider because the way he speaks does not reflect the dignity and respect expected of his office.”He added that whilst Boko’s campaign rhetoric had appealed to many voters, his current posture suggests a departure from those earlier promises. Rabasimane stressed that unions will not tolerate being undermined, particularly on a day meant to honour workers.“We will never be happy if, on May Day, the President addresses union leaders in such a manner simply for speaking the truth on behalf of workers,” he said. “Unions are not government departments; they are independent bodies representing workers’ interests.”Rabasimane also raised concerns about what he described as growing interference by the government in union affairs. He linked this to ongoing divisions within the labour movement, including allegations of a potential breakaway federation.Recent developments have fuelled suspicions of a breakaway federation after the Manual Workers Union recently broke ranks and took legal action against the establishment of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) secretariat, following the appointment of Andrew Motsamai and Tobokani Rari as secretary and deputy-secretary, respectively.
Similarly, the Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU) previously withdrew from collective negotiations under the 6+1 arrangement to pursue a separate agreement with the government, a move widely viewed as aligning with State interests. Despite these, union leaders maintained that they will not retreat from defending workers’ rights.Meanwhile, labour leaders also used the May Day platform to caution the government against entering into investment agreements without thorough scrutiny and stakeholder consultation.BFTU president Martha Molema warned that engaging with questionable international partners could expose the country to exploitation.“We must engage if we are to build a prosperous and just nation. Our future depends on it,” Molema said.She cited the case of Niger, where she stated that foreign interests have long benefited from uranium resources while locals remain impoverished.Molema also referenced political instability and external pressures faced by leaders in parts of West Africa, cautioning Botswana to tread carefully in its international dealings. In a strongly worded regional stance, the union leader further expressed solidarity with workers in Eswatini, where May Day commemorations were reportedly cancelled.
They condemned restrictions on freedom of expression and highlighted the economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens there.BOFEPUSU president Gotlamang Oitsile emphasised the need for transparency and inclusivity in attracting investors. He argued that unions must be actively involved in evaluating potential partners to ensure they uphold workers’ rights.“When you look for investors, we should be part of the process. A thorough background check is essential because some investors have histories of violating workers’ rights,” Oitsile said.He warned that failure to involve labour representatives could result in Botswana inadvertently welcoming exploitative business practices.
