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Cash strapped Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) continues to be under fire from its affiliates following the protest at the April congress by some of its members.

BFTU told media last month that the Union is trying to clear its name as scandalous reports continue to taint their image. This comes after BFTU failed to present the audited financial statements during the congress meeting.

According to Gadzani Mhotsha BFTU secretary general, three of the union’s affiliates – “Botswana Teachers Union (BTU), Botswana Secondary Teachers Union (BOSETU), Botswana Land Board & Local Authorities Workers Union (BOLLAWU), and Botswana Railway Amalgamated Workers Union (BRAU) have ceased paying subscription fees.”

BFTU received a letter from BOSETU declaring their intent to suspend payment of subscription fees. BTU however have not official written a letter explaining their decision to discontinue payment of subscription fees.

On their defense, Pelotshweu Baeng president of BULLAWU said they paid subscription fees five months in advance to end of May. However they will not continue to pay subscription fees to BFTU.

BULLAWU said it is discontinuing payment to BFTU for a number of reasons. Baeng said firstly, BFTU failed to present audited financial statements at this year‘s congress meeting which “violates the constitution,” he said.

BULLAWU also does not recognize new leadership at BFTU because they do not recognize the new constitution which was introduced to them December 2009. Baeng stated that they joined BFTU 2007 using the old constitution the new one came as a surprise to them.

He said that BULLAWU leadership was not even invited for the amendment of the new constitution.

“The constitution is undemocratic,” said Baeng.

Apart from the undemocratic constitution BULLAWU is discontinuing participation with BFTU because they are simply “being conscious,” stated Baeng.

“BTFU is in a financial crisis therefore they cannot associate with an organization. It is incapable of managing their finances,” BULLAWU’s president stated.

Admittedly Mhotsha said indeed the departure of big affiliates from the union has “dented their financial capacity.”

“BOSETU and BTU combined contributed 50% of the total subscription fees,” Mhotsha said.

“We are not ashamed that some unions have decided to leave us” announced Mhotsha. He highlight that BFTU is a non profit making organization and they depend on subscription fees.

Pending the boycotts by the unions, BFTU decided to introduce a levy to its members as a replacement funding.

The new levy requires each member to pay P60 per annum. According to BFTU constitution 11.20 (pg13) the general board “shall be empowered to raise a levy as they deem fit from each member and affiliated Trade Union for purpose intended to further objects of the federation” said   Gadzani Mhotsha.

Asked why the audited financial statements were not presented in time Mhotsha said it was the irresponsibility of leadership.

Mhotsha boldly stated “leadership failed its members,” however he said they have managed to complete the auditing for 2006, 2008, but 2007 auditing had to be redone. He said the treasurer is not the only one to blame but the whole leadership of BFTU is also responsible.

Mhotsha emphasized that external auditing requires money and failure to pay fees by trade unions imposes constraints on them.