..As BTU urges teachers to boycott the proposed national schools music festival, citing lack of consultation, remuneration agreements and fair working conditions
BONGANI MALUNGA
Botswana’s teachers have been urged to withdraw from the proposed National Schools Music Eisteddfod, escalating tensions between educators and the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education over what unions describe as a lack of consultation and unfair labour practices.
The Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) has publicly distanced itself from the initiative, insisting that teachers cannot be compelled to take on additional responsibilities without a negotiated agreement on remuneration and working conditions.
In a strongly worded media statement released last week, BTU Secretary General Norman Baraedi said the ministry had moved ahead with plans to introduce the national choral music programme without engaging teachers or their representatives.
“The Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) has noted with serious concern the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education’s decision to launch a National Schools Music Eisteddfod without any consultation and agreement on teachers’ remuneration for preparing learners and attending these competitions,” Baraedi stated.
EXTENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
The union argues that the success of co-curricular activities depends heavily on teachers, who already shoulder extensive responsibilities beyond classroom instruction. It warned that imposing further obligations without compensation risks undermining established labour relations practices.
“As the legitimate representative body of teachers in Botswana, we view this unilateral approach as a disregard for established industrial relations practices and the critical role teachers play in the successful implementation of any co-curricular programmes,” the statement reads.
BTU stressed that no agreement currently exists between the ministry and the union regarding compensation for educators expected to organise, supervise and participate in the music competitions.
ADDITIONAL WORKLOAD
“Teachers cannot be expected to shoulder additional workload outside their normal duties without clear, negotiated terms of engagement and fair compensation,” Baraedi said. The union has consequently instructed its members to refrain from taking part in any activities linked to the programme until consultations are concluded.
“We strongly advise our members not to participate in any activities related to this programme until proper consultations have been undertaken and a binding agreement on their remuneration and working conditions has been concluded,” the statement added.
While opposing the current arrangement, BTU maintained that it supports learners’ participation in cultural and artistic development. The union called for immediate engagement with government officials to reach an amicable settlement.
“BTU remains committed to the holistic development of learners, including participation in cultural and artistic activities such as music. However, this commitment must not come at the expense of teachers’ rights, welfare and fair labour practices,” Baraedi concluded.