There is enough evidence that going forward Trade Unions in Botswana are goping to become very powerful political tools. That power is also most likely to manifest itself in enhanced economic and financial muscle.
There is nothing wrong with that. In fact countries that have a long history of trade unionism all show that unions inevitably become powerful political and economic players. But there is always a danger of abuse by leaders of that power, influence and prestige. Allegations of fraud and embezzlement of subscription fees by leaders are never far away in trade union politics. Across the border in South Africa we have seen how trade union leaders have often used members as voting fodder as they amassed both power and wealth, while not paying any attention to the welfare of ordinary members. All evidence points to the fact that in Botswana trade union leaders are already following along the misguided paths of their South Africa counterparts.
If that is so, then that would be grossly unfortunate. We advise the trade union leaders to introspect and remain accountable, first and foremost to their members, but also to the ordinary members of the public whose solidarity and goodwill they always demand when the chips are down. Such public support can only be forthcoming if trade union leaders show high levels of integrity and accountability. One way of doing so is to resist the temptation to use the money which belongs to the general membership for personal aggrandizement. Media reports indicate that individually or collectively, Trade Unions are investing in many portfolios, creating companies that are at least in theory intended to become investment vehicles that will yield money for the members That again is all good. But experience from elsewhere has shown that what happens in reality is often totally different from that which leaders often promise. The biggest source of abuse starts when power gets concentrated in a few hands. And such power is seldom used wisely and even less so for the benefit of the ordinary members. Rather the power is used by leaders to cut deals for themselves and to sidestep accountability.
We call on members to always strive to hold the leaders to the highest standards of accountability. Members should not shy away from asking pointed questions on how their money is used or how decisions are taken by a leadership purporting to do it on behalf of the membership. One way for members to successfully hold their leaders accountable is to appraise themselves with matters surrounding how their organizations are run, to know and be very conversant with procedures and also such important founding documents like constitutions, agreements and indeed policy formulations.
It is also important for members to insist on transparency on the part of the leaders including by way of demanding leaders to declare any personal interests on matters surrounding the businesses owned by trade unions that they lead. Even such small things like gifts offered to leaders by suppliers and creditors should be declared in a formal register that is accessible to ordinary members. Those leaders found not adhering to the rules should be dealt with. Once again we say these things because we see how in South Africa Trade Union leaders in that country are holding an entire country to ransom through strike actions that are not transparently explained, often resorting to violence and intimidation against those members that differ with them. We are not there yet. But the seeds are there for all to see and we should avert the dangers and pitfalls.
