- Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) expresses grave concern and profound disappointment on the recent remarks by the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Hon. Nono Kgafela Mokoka, regarding violent incidents allegedly committed by learners when schools close.
- BOSETU wishes to state unequivocally that the Minister’s comments demonstrate a troubling lack of understanding of the realities within the school environment and the broader social context affecting learners.
- Before making public pronouncements on such sensitive matters, the Minister must first properly inform herself and cultivate a close working relationship with those on the ground — including teachers, school management, parents, and community leaders — who deal daily with the challenges facing our learners.
- It is a matter of public record that in many areas across the country, police and even military officers are routinely deployed to escort learners outside school premises at closing time due to safety concerns and public order considerations. We therefore challenge the Minister to engage these security agencies and establish the facts surrounding these deployments before uttering profanities in revered August house.
- We are compelled to state that Hon. Kgafela Mokoka is rapidly cementing a reputation as one of the worst, if not the worst Ministers of Education in Botswana’s history due to persistent failure to meaningfully engage stakeholders and address the root causes of challenges within the sector.
- In light of these developments, BOSETU calls upon Government to urgently intervene, engage the Minister seriously, and conduct a thorough fit and proper assessment of her capability to lead the education portfolio in a manner that serves the best interests of learners, educators, and the nation.
- Education is too critical to be undermined by ill-informed commentary and detached leadership. Botswana deserves an Education Minister who listens, consults, and acts decisively based on facts and stakeholder engagement.
- BOSETU remains committed to working with all relevant parties to ensure safe, conducive learning environments and a responsive education system that prioritizes both learner welfare and educator support.
Thank you.
Oreeditse Nyatso
Publicity Secretary, BOSETU
