Workers ForumBw

28/09/2026

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

BONU CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AND PARTIAL CLOSURE OF OLD NALEDI CLINIC

Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) has learnt with profound shock and concern of the violent incident that occurred at Old Naledi Clinic during the early hours of Monday, 21 September 2026.

Reports indicate that two rival gangs entered the clinic after a violent confrontation in the Old Naledi area and proceeded to continue their conflict within the healthcare facility. Some gang members allegedly barricaded themselves inside consultation rooms, while others engaged in disruptive behaviour, including kicking doors and allegedly intimidating and threatening staff and patients awaiting medical attention. This incident posed a serious security threat and undermined the safety and wellbeing of nurses, other healthcare workers and patients at the facility.

BONU unequivocally condemns these criminal acts and calls upon the Botswana Police Service to expedite investigations and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. Healthcare facilities are places of healing and must never be turned into battlegrounds or hiding places for people involved in violent confrontations, or environments in which patients and healthcare workers fear for their lives.

BONU is equally concerned by the decision by Gaborone City Council to close only the outpatient department while allowing the maternity wing to remain operational. If the security threat is credible and serious enough to justify the closure of outpatient services, it must also be recognized as a threat to nurses and midwives, other health workers, expectant mothers, newborn babies and accompanying family members in the maternity wing.

BONU therefore rejects the partial closure of the facility. If Old Naledi Clinic is unsafe, it should be temporarily closed in its entirety until a comprehensive security assessment has been completed and adequate protection put in place.

If the clinic is considered safe enough for maternity services to continue, the responsible authorities must provide a clear and credible explanation for the closure of outpatient services. Safety decisions must be consistent, evidence-based and applicable to everyone within the facility.

BONU therefore calls for:
1. An urgent and comprehensive security risk assessment of the entire facility.
2. Full temporary closure if the identified security threat remains unresolved.
3. Safe transfer arrangements for all admitted patients at maternity wing.
4. Immediate deployment of adequate security personnel at the clinic.
5. Installation of CCTV technologies in the clinic.
6. Thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible by Botswana Police Service.
7. Psychosocial support and debriefing for affected employees at the facility.
8. Meaningful consultation with BONU and Old Naledi clinic employees before services resume.
BONU stands in solidarity with all nurses and midwives, other healthcare workers and members of the public affected by this incident. The courage and dedication of healthcare workers must never be used as a substitute for adequate workplace security. No employee should be expected to provide services under conditions that expose them to foreseeable violence or intimidation.

Issued by: Botswana Nurses Union (BONU)

15/09/2026

Bofepusu cautions my Boy

15/09/2026

"REBUTTAL: We got our facts right. If you love us Mr Moti, respect us. 📌"

09/09/2026

"Botswana Teachers Union📢 BTU ON THE 100 SCHOOLS & 50 CLINICS INITIATIVE

The Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) welcomes the proposed construction of 100 schools and 50 clinics, noting its potential to reduce overcrowding, expand access to education and create employment opportunities for teachers.
However, BTU is calling for greater transparency, accountability and clarity on the partnership, including the selection process, contractual obligations, funding arrangements and ownership of public schools.

The Union further stresses that new schools must be supported by adequate teachers, accommodation, learning materials, furniture, utilities and connectivity.

BTU’s position is clear: Education is a fundamental human right and public good that must remain publicly funded, publicly accountable and accessible to all.

🇧🇼 GO PUBLIC! FUND EDUCATION"

08/09/2026

BISEWU Mandate and Vision for the Petroleum Sector in Botswana

Botswana Industrial Services Workers Union (BISEWU) is a trade union dedicated to representing, protecting and advancing the interests of workers in Botswana’s petroleum industry, including fuel attendants, filling-station cashiers, fuel tanker operators, depot workers and other petroleum-sector employees.

This mandate is particularly important as Botswana’s petroleum sector is central to the country’s fuel security and economic activity. Government policy also recognises the importance of meaningful citizen participation in the petroleum industry.

1. BISEWU Mandate

BISEWU's mandate shall be to:
Protect workers' rights and interests
Represent petroleum workers and ensure that their employment rights, dignity and welfare are respected.
Promote decent working conditions
Advocate for fair wages, reasonable working hours, leave, employment benefits and safe working environments.
Improve occupational health and safety
Promote strong health and safety standards, particularly because petroleum workers may be exposed to fuel, chemicals, fire and other workplace hazards.
Collective bargaining
Negotiate with employers for improved salaries, benefits and conditions of employment through recognised collective bargaining structures. Botswana's current labour framework specifically provides for collective bargaining and good-faith negotiations.
Botswana Speaks
Job security and fair employment
Fight unfair dismissals, exploitation, discrimination and the inappropriate use of short-term contracts.
Worker education and empowerment
Educate members about their employment rights, responsibilities, health and safety, financial literacy and trade-union principles.
Promote equality and dignity
Work against discrimination, workplace harassment, violence and unfair treatment. These are also areas specifically addressed under Botswana's modern labour framework.
Daily News
Promote citizen participation
Encourage greater participation of Batswana in the petroleum value chain, including employment, skills development, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.
Represent workers in social dialogue
Work constructively with Government, employers and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable petroleum industry that benefits both workers and Botswana's economy. Government has emphasised tripartite cooperation between government, employers and labour unions.

BISEWU Vision

“To build a strong, united, skilled, safe and economically empowered petroleum workforce that enjoys decent employment and contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development of Botswana.

Our vision is to see:

A petroleum sector where every worker:
Is treated with dignity and respect;
Receives fair and decent remuneration;
Works in a safe and healthy environment;
Has access to training and career development;
Is protected from discrimination, harassment and exploitation;
Has a meaningful voice through collective bargaining;
Enjoys reasonable job security and social protection; and
Can participate in Botswana's economic development.
BISEWU Strategic Mission

“To organise, represent, protect and empower petroleum workers through strong trade-union representation, collective bargaining, education, occupational health and safety, social dialogue and economic empowerment.”
BISEWU's long-term goal
BISEWU should not only be known as a union that responds to disputes. It should become a strategic voice for petroleum workers and a recognised social partner in the development of Botswana's petroleum industry.

This approach is consistent with Botswana's current labour reforms, which emphasise fundamental workers' rights, freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue and fair labour practices.

“United Workers, Stronger Petroleum Industry, Better Botswana.

07/09/2026

FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE ALSO WORKERS

07/09/2026

BOPEU views on Africa Hero....