Africa-Press – Botswana. Lobatse Government Fleet Management (GFM) station, formerly called Central Transport Organisation (CTO), has decided to tap on Setswana system by building a kgotla where employees can deliberate their issues.
The kgotla structure was built by employees themselves, who then went on to elect a kgosi among them using a voting system. It was officially opened recently by Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II of Barolong, who expressed delight at the move to use traditional practices to promote unity in the workplace, under the theme Promoting Botswana Culture in the Workplace.
Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II urged Lobatse GFM staff to respect the kgotla and use it to discuss issues that would promote cooperation and mutual understanding among them.
He also urged the newly installed kgosi, Mr Mogotsi Tlhong to treat staff members equally and respectfully.
He further advised them to address issues fairly, without taking sides. “It is normal for disagreements to occur between people in the workplace. There are many differences that can happen between staff members. But if you can use this kgotla correctly and in the spirit for which it was intended, I can assure you that you will be able to resolve your issues amicably and reach reconciliation by yourselves without involving management. There will therefore be less cases taken to management for disciplinary processes,” said KgosiLotlamoreng II.
Lobatse GFM station works superintendent, Mr Mathata Tshoswane said the idea of establishing a kgotla at their workplace came from staff members themselves.
Mr Tshoswane said many of them however doubted if the idea would materialise, therefore said he was happy that they succeeded.
“Who would have thought we would be launching this kgotla today with the Barolong Kgosikgolo amongst us? We are so blessed to have achieved this,” Mr Tshoswane said.
He said the achievement showed that Lobatse GFM staff were prepared to work as a team and were also ready to reset. Mr Tshoswane said team work would help them to better serve customers.
Lobatse GFM officer Mr Hendrick Tshireletso said the objective of establishing the kgotla was to promote Setswana culture in the workplace.
He said the kgotla would be used by staff for resolution of minor issues between employees without needing to involve management.
Mr Tshireletso said kgosi would work closely with some advisors and a prosecutor, focusing mainly on reconciliation.
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