The Botswana Federation of Public Private & Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) intends to engage main opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) for possible cooperation talks ahead of the 2024 general elections.
BOFEPUSU President Johannes Tshukudu said although they have tried recently to engage UDC leadership to pave a way forward, both parties were unable to meet.
“We have been struggling to get suitable time to meet them but we are hopeful that we will meet soon. Yes, we are prepared to work with them in 2024 but of course there’s need to engage each other. Given the way BDP [Botswana Democratic Party] is running this Republic we will rescue Batswana from this economic misery propelled by the ruling party,” said Tshukudu.
Tshukudu said there is light at the of tunnel as UDC leadership appears to be resolving their personal differences.
“They need to demonstrate their seriousness being a government in waiting by setting aside their leadership personal differences and focus on people’s interests,” he offered.
He further pleaded that UDC leadership should unreservedly engage the federation in order to help them resolve their issues.
“We are prepared to assist them to get back their focus on the people’s project by getting MOONO back on track,” he said.
Tshukudu also said all parties outside UDC need to see how they can cooperate with UDC to liberate Batswana from social and economic challenges as it is evident BDP is tired and running short of progressive ideas to transform the country.
On the other hand, Tshukudu said they will not entertain the ruling BDP, adding that they have failed the aspirations of citizens.
“BDP should not do good to please BOFEPUSU but rather do what they promised the nation during the elections campaign.”
We don’t need them because they can’t keep their word. They give empty promises” said Tshukudu.
He further said corruption under the BDP rule is unbearable.
“They are tired and need to be relieved of power. We can’t waste any more energy on BDP for what? Unemployment, poor economic management, land mismanagement”
“Poor health system, poor wages for workers, wasted talent of youth, political arrogance and many more so why should we engage them. BDP is now the enemy of the workers and we shall meet them in 2024,” added Tshukudu.
In the lead up to the 2014 general elections Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) and Manual workers Union came out clear that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is the party that has answers to the cries of workers in this country.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the UDC conference held in Serowe, BOFEPUSU National Organizing Secretary, Johnson Motshwarakgole said BOFEPUSU had sent him to congratulate the three parties, Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) for heeding the federation’s call for a united opposition.
“BOFEPUSU, which hosts about 100, 000 members would like to thank Duma Boko, Gomolemo Motswaledi and Motlatsi Molapisi for uniting the nation, they listened when we called for opposition unity, they are true leaders who will take Batswana to the Promised Land,” he said.
The unionist also told the gathering that Manual Workers Union has launched their second manifesto which states what they workers want. “We have launched and distributed a Green Book in which we state all corrupt acts in the country, we have also launched our manifesto as to what we want for our workers and the UDC has passed that test, please also tell the others that it is not too late for them to join the umbrella”, he said.
At the time, Manual Workers Union President Kgabolang encouraged the parties on their journey to the General elections. “Where there is unity there is peace, and where there is peace there is a way, Manual Workers Union has always advocated for unity and these parties have done the right thing,” he said.
In 2019 the union federation took a neutral stance not to support any political party.
