BOPEU FIRES MOGWERA

We confirm herein that on the 30th of November 2019 at our ongoing Special General Congress (“SGC”) which will be followed by our Central Executive Committee meeting (“CEC), a majority resolution was passed to expel Cde. Masego Mogwera from the membership of the Botswana Public Employees Union with immediate effect. The Special Congress voted as follows: In support of the expulsion- 134, against expulsion – 34 and neutral – 16.  

Cde. Mogwera immediately at the point of adoption of the above said resolution by the BOPEU Special General Congress, ceased to be a member of BOPEU and as such ceased to be President of BOPEU and or to represent nor identify with BOPEU nor any of its structures.   Issues that the Special General Congress raised and which informed a resolution to expel Cde. Mogwera included amongst others;   The Special General Congress found out that Cde. Mogwera unilaterally, implemented a new organisational pay structure, and this naturally lead to the exorbitant deficit increase with regard to BOPEU budget.

This implementation of the new pay structure directly increased salaries of comrades; Topias Marenga (Former General Secretary), Tlhabologo Galekhutle (Former Treasurer General) and Masego Mogwera (Former President).   The Special General Congress found out that Cde. Masego Mogwera (Former President), Cde. Tlhabologo Galekhutle (Former Treasurer General) and Cde. Topias Marenga (Former General Secretary), despite the fact there was no congress resolution, and no budget to pay their secondment allowances, they nevertheless proceeded to decide, without the knowledge nor the involvement of the National Executive Committee, to pay themselves such secondment allowances, though the BOPEU constitution is clear that, such can only be done through a congress resolution.  

The Special General Congress also noted that; should Cde. Masego Mogwera wish to re-join BOPEU, she may reapply for membership through the provisions of the BOPEU constitution, particularly Article 7.2.3.3 which state that “after at least 12 months for a member who seeks re-admission after being expelled from the organisation”.   The Special General Congress further took a majority resolution on the ratification, approval, endorsement and confirmation of Cde. Topias Marenga’s dismissal which was done by the National Executive Committee months prior to the Special General Assembly.  

The Special General Congress also took a majority resolution on the ratification, approval, endorsement and confirmation of Cde. Olefile Fast Monakwe that he is no longer Acting President and that he is with immediate effect a full President of the Botswana Public Employees Union.   The Special General Congress has also taken a majority resolution that the National Executive Committee shall fill in the position of the First Deputy President which immediately became vacant upon the confirmation of Cde. Olefile Fast Monakwe’s confirmation by a Congress Resolution to no longer be Acting President and hence be full President of BOPEU.   We have no doubt that these constitutional measures are in the best interest of BOPEU and our members, and essentially, for the betterment of our members lives.