Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Teachers Union(BTU) has elected Mr Agang Gabana its new president.
Mr Gabana, who was elected at the 7th BTU congress held in Palapye over the weekend will be deputized by Mr Tjalebgwa Bagwasi.
Other elected members of the national executive committee are Mr Norman Bareedi, as Secretary General, , Mr Mohau Poshodi as National Treasure, Deputy Secretary General, Mr Othusitse Kgaswane, Vice President Primary education, Mr Onamediste Serwalo, vice president Secondary Education, Ms Promise Chuma, vice president tertiary education, Mr Aubrey Chilume, vice president gender and human resources, Mr Gorata Bagapi.
Mr Tshepo Diphale was elected occupational and, safety and health coordinating secretary while sports, arts and culture position was won by Mr Leslie Lubinda and Mr Kenneth Lonkokile was chosen as public secretary.
Mr Gabana thanked the BTU members for choosing him to head the union, and he promised to work jointly with members to iron out issues affecting the rights of teachers.
He said teachers faced many challenges such as shortage of accommodation, stagnation, issues related to invigilator fees, learners’ sports which have been halted as well as other issues related to condition of service.
Mr Gabana said he would be guided by the principles of BTU and its constitution to lead the union, calling on those who lost in the elections to work with the newly elected committee for union success.
‘Everyone in the journey need each other, get united and move forward’.
He said he would priorities issues affecting teachers, citing the new curriculum and sports in schools.
Mr Gabana said there were disparities between primary, secondary and tertiary teaching staff even with the same qualifications
The outgoing president who did not seek re-election, Mr Gotlamang Oitsile noted the challenges during his six-year tenure, among them the COVID-19 pandemic and drought, stating that despite the challenges his committee worked hard to fight for the rights of teachers.
Mr oitsile said the new committee should sensitise member’s about the constitution of the union and roles and laws of Botswana.
Secretary General, Mr Norman Bareedi promised to visit all BTU 58 regions forming strong structures.
He said members needed capacity building and education about international labour laws. He noted that the elections went well without protests.
Earlier on, the Assistant Minister of Education and child welfare, Mr Justin Hunyepa urged the BTU members to work with the government, emphasising a collaborative approach within the education sector.
He highlighted the importance of dialogue and partnership between the union and the government to improve the education.
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