In a closed session of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) national council held last weekend, Member of Parliament for Bonnington South Botsalo Ntuane is said to have suggested to President Ian Khama to increase civil servants’ salaries by 10 percent or pay them five percent plus a 13th cheque every December, a source that attended the national council has said.
According to the source the issue was debated in the national council and members were advised not to hint to anyone outside Tsholetsa house about the matter.
“There was a roar. Some members and party elders supported Ntuane’s idea but President Khama, supported by the Minister of Finance Kenneth Matambo explained that budget constraints do not allow the government to implement such a salary hike.
“Instead Khama opted to introduce a bonus scheme where well performing civil servants will be given bonus instead of the 13th cheque proposed by Ntuane.”
BOFEPUSO Secretary General Tobokani Rari has said even though Ntuane’s idea was brilliant trade unions will not allow the ruling party to discuss issues of the Bargaining Council at their party councils or congress.
“It is a good idea, it must be said, but the bottom line is that civil servants are not here to be given handouts. BDP council is not a Bargaining Council. The ruling party has the right platform where they can discuss issues of the Bargaining Council that is through the Bargaining Council through their representatives,” Rari said.
He added that they want workers in this country to be able to bargain as provided for by the international standards and by the laws as passed by Parliament.
“BDP continues to discuss these matters outside the Bargaining Council. We wonder whether they want to replace the Bargaining Council. But we have warned them that will never happen. We want the Bargaining Council to function and issues of the Bargaining Council be addressed at the Bargaining Council,” Rari added.
Contacted for comment Ntuane said national council issues remain in the house of the national council.
He would not comment further.
