Union leaders fire salvos at Boko

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. Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do.

The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door…