The Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) appears to have prevailed over Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Kabo Morwaeng over work arrangements.
This is revealed in a savingram dated 29 September 2021 addressed to various public sector unions and government ministries and departments by acting Director of Public Service Management, Samuel Rathedi.
In it he said that “…consultations with Public Sector Unions on final workplace arrangements post State of Emergency are currently ongoing.”
Rathedi also informed unions and government departments “that flexible working arrangements in response to Covid-19 as per DPSM circular savingram DP 19/72 IX (03) dated 6th August 2021 will continue to operate until further notice as the nation transitions out of the State of Emergency.”
“The Directorate is mindful that the pandemic is with us and as such, all human resource interventions should be aimed at preserving lives and/or containing the spread of Covid-19 infections while not negatively affecting service delivery. The final decision will be dully conveyed after approval by the relevant Government structures,” said Rathedi.
Recently Morwaeng came under criticism after claiming that some government officials were abusing the current work arrangement as they took advantage of it for their personal benefit as some travel to their cattle posts during working hours.
“Some people are taking advantage of this arrangement and we will soon stop it immediately so that the public can get proper service at government offices,” said Morwaeng during the just ended sitting of Parliament.
BOFEPUSU’s deputy secretary general condemned Morwaeng’s statement describing it as ill-informed and irresponsible.
“Without doubt, Botswana has been witnessing a surge in infections of Covid-19 over the past weeks, making the workplace a super spreader of the deadly virus, particularly the Delta variant,” said Motshegwa.
He added: “Part of the measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 has been decongestion of the workplace, with the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness recommending a more flexible work culture such as remote work and working in shifts.”
He expressed disappointment that Morwaeng had “sought to undermine the interventions aimed at reducing congestion in the workplace.”
“In his public address through Botswana television on the 24th August 2021, the Minister attacked efforts of combatting the spread of covid-19 by irresponsibly stating that the current arrangement of shifts in the workplace will be suspended,” said Motshegwa adding that “the decision is ill-informed.”
Motshegwa added: “These are ill thoughts by a reckless politician who does not have regard for the sacrifices public servants put in delivering services during these challenging times.
We express strong objections to this imbecilic, irresponsible and reckless conclusion coming from a Minister whose portfolio covers public service administration. He is the relevant Minister to be advocating for the safety and better conditions of service of public servants.”
