Botswana Federation of Public Sector Union (BOFEPUSU) has distanced itself from reports that they are partners in the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
BOFEPUSU which has been labelled a third force in the UDC internal politics issued a press statement last week that: “We would like to state categorically and clear that BOFEPUSU has no business or interest in UDC internal affairs as the Federation is not an affiliate of the UDC. The Federation has no intention of being involved in such matters,” reads the statement from the federation.
BOFEPUSU statement comes three weeks after the union claimed credit for Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) losses in Palapye and Tsabong By-elections
Congratulating the BCP and UDC three weeks ago for winning Tsabong and Palapye By-election, BOFEPUSU spokesperson Samuel Molaodi stated, “I want to take this time to congratulate Botswana Congress Party and Umbrella for Democratic Change for winning the weekend by elections. I can confirm that we have contributed to Botswana Democratic Party’s.”
BOFEPUSU has however dismissed allegations that it is a third force in the ‘so called’ UDC internal politics.
“Pertaining to reported dynamics within UDC we as Federation would not comment but rather leave that to UDC to respond and tender clarification.”
The Federation says its interest into the UDC is fundamentally on the direction of UDC in terms of public policy direction, ideological orientation and pursuit.
“The Nation of Botswana and the world ought to be reminded as a matter of importance that BOFEPUSU is the architect or midwife of UDC as it happened at the height of the historic mother of all strikes of 2011. The aim of the Federation is to see a united opposition unleashing an alternative Government. This national vision should not be deterred by lesser matters of what colours, symbols, slogans to be used but the focus should be on alternative Government for symbols and colours will not provide jobs to youth , not improve welfare of workers,” said BOFEPUSU in a statement
Meanwhile BOFEPUSU encourage dedication and sacrificial devotion among leaders of the opposition to usher in a Government that will restore hope to the people of Botswana , enact just laws, build and strengthen democratic institutions such as Ombudsman , Independent Electoral Commission , Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, strong parliament and the Judiciary .
“BOFEPUSU want a kind of Government that will ensure prudent management of the economy and for such an economy to benefit all. We call upon all partners in the UDC to heed to the call of Batswana, to be united, visionary and focused on the big picture rather than individualistic interests,” said BOFEPUSU.
The federation emphasized that it remain neutral, distant and disinterested in the UDC internal politics and will never side with anyone or against anybody for that is not within the domain of the agenda of the Federation .
“We hail the sustainable vision of Duma Boko, Ndaba Gaolatlhe, Motlatsi Molapisi and Dumelang Saleshando for their stead fast believes in uniting the opposition. The UDC project and wishes of Batswana are bigger and important than the individual parties and individuals themselves, that’s what we believed in during 2011 and we still believe so to this day,” BOFEPUSU statement reads.
