The leader of opposition in parliament recently opened a Pandora’s Box when he publicly sought presidential pardon for the dismissed public sector workers, thus asking for at least their reemployment.
This caused quite a stir among trade unions and political parties. This issue may appear small on the surface but it is not as it is likely to have serious repercussions in the labour relations and may, in the long run, compromise the success of the future public sector strikes.
Legislators represent their constituents in many issues political and the leader of opposition is right to seek or proffer solutions on this national issue.
However, in discharging that mandate, there is need for greater inclusiveness and broader consensus which appears not to be the case in this matter.
As leader of the opposition, Mr. Ntuane represents a constituency which is equal or even bigger than the ruling party (opposition had about 48% popular vote in 2009 general election, factoring in BMD followers, the majority of whom voted BDP and are now in the opposition) and hence his message should resonate with this constituency.
It took a lot of time and effort for the government of Botswana to ratify ILO conventions that precipitated the promulgation of a law enabling civil servants to unionize and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
The recent public sector strike brought to bear the practical consequences of a strike. It is against this backdrop that government withdrew assistance it extended to the unions, increased a schedule of essential service workers, fired some workers, and reemployed (not reinstated) and continues to use underhand tactics to weaken the labour movement.
It was inevitable that the striking workers would suffer either by loss of income owing to no work no pay rule and or dismissal and some even black listed as is the case, battles have casualties and such is life. Political parties across the divide offered solidarity to the workers during the strike, gaining mileage in the process.
Mokaulengwe Ntuane’s clemency was a tactical blunder, plays into the hands of both the ruling party and Khama who fully exploited it by depicting strikers as unpatriotic, and went on to make sure they do not repeat striking.
It will not achieve any tangible results since reemployment was already on the cards. It may, however, divide the union and the opposition; it will weaken the ability of unions to embark on an effective strike in the future and breed lack of confidence, particularly in the opposition leadership. It may further undermine advice they offer to the union in the future. It is unfortunate that this is being used to portray some sections of the opposition who oppose everything BDP without offering solutions as unreasonable and irresponsible. This gave the BDP an opportunity to undermine the much needed opposition coherence.
Ntuane implored those who fault his strategy to offer alternatives and be exemplary by quitting their jobs to experience how it is to be jobless.
To be in opposition on its own in this country is a big sacrifice; they are ostracized, overlooked on opportunities and generally shunned; it takes strong character and resolve to survive the harshness that comes with it. The opposition parties and the trade unions are stakeholders in the political discourse of this country and should not be apologists of the ruling party and Khama.
In any case they did nothing wrong to warrant an apology. The fact that the constitution of this republic gives the president absolute powers which he uses with reckless abandon is no reason to offer unsolicited pardon. President and government are in essence servants of the people and the opposition and all other stakeholders have a duty to unflinchingly fight to make them appreciate this reality.
