Consistent with its commitment to the defence of the rights of the workers and the downtrodden, the Umbrella for Democratic Change in Selebi Phikwe West has identified a law firm to assist the families of the mine-workers who perished in a recent accident at the mine. Because the mine on one hand is represented by its workers who are conversant with the laws of this country,we felt it was imperative that the families also have access to proper legal advise. The law Firm, Olatotse Attorneys will be their representatives.
It should also be noted that the UDC was part of the struggle for better working conditions some time back when it was not fashionable to talk about the poor working conditions at the mine. We are however happy that others have now jumped into the bandwagon and hopefully something will be done. Four years ago, we petitioned the BCL mine for better salaries for the lowly paid workers at the mine. Two years ago we presented a petition in a campaign called “Away with BCL Hostels”. The response then from the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources was that he will revert to us soonest. After a long wait, we presented yet another petition on the Hostel issue, This was on the 26th March, 2014. Up to now we have not received a response from the Minister though he had promised to do so “soonest”, two years ago. We engaged the Minister for primarily two reasons; Firstly because mines fall under his Ministry. Secondly, because the Botswana Government has a shareholding of 94% in the mine.
Directly and indirectly, he is therefore a custodian of government interests in the mine. As a shareholder the Botswana Government has an obligation to ensure that its employees are properly housed.
When the Copper nickel prices were low, the employees sacrificed and took low salaries. Now when the mine is doing well, they are still expected to take low salaries! This is exploitation and shows insensitivity by the owners of the mine. We can not in this day and era have a miner who takes P1500 per month while working under such a dangerous environment. Most of the lowly paid workers are not housed by the company. The allowance they get cant even pay for a “two and a half”. This has led to some who originate from nearby villages to commute. The P 388 which they get as housing allowance which is not enough to cover the cost of commuting. Those who are lucky to get accommodation stay in one-roomed hostels which they share with their partners/wives and children. Diseases like TB spread easily in such conditions. The conditions are not good for the proper upbringing of children.
The challenges faced by the workers at the mine are varied, The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) should take full responsibility for this mess. In as much as we understand the anger that is directed at the managers at the mine, the anger should be directed at the mine owners, in particular, the Botswana Government. The managers will come and go but the situation will remain the same as long as the government remains aloof. The current political leadership in the town should also apologise for having neglected to raise these issues.
In continuation of our long standing solidarity with the workers, The UDC in Selebi Phikwe West will be having a Press Conference in the town on Thursday where we will spell out the steps we will be taking to put pressure on the Botswana Government to improve the working conditions at the mine.
*Mohwasa is Selebi Phikwe West Constituency Coordinator-UDC
