The good citizens of our graceful land, I greet you all.
I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the leadership and representatives of Botswana Council for the Disabled and Trainers and Allied Workers Union for making this event possible.
It is a great honor, that we are gathered here today to witness a momentous occasion of the signing of a memorandum of understanding between our great organizations.
It is evident that the two organizations responded to a clarion call, especially when many would have despaired.
A grain sawn in hope through its process of fruiting, united unlikely partners.
True that, BCD and TAWU while both seek the betterment of living conditions/standards for their members, their silo approach affected their efficiency. Thereby leading to undesired consequences of exclusion, non responsive programming, misdirected policy advocacy and skewed statutory provisions.
The partnership between BCD and TAWU is born out of the unique qualities that each is bringing into the marriage.
BCD as a national organization representing all individuals and organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, is positioned as a unique organization. It provides a pivotal support for its working members at the shop floor level. While not fully resourced to deal with labor matters, non the less soldiered on driven by the need to protect persons with disabilities at the workplace. In BCD’s endeavor to fulfill their dream of fairness and equitable treatment at the workplace, answered a clarion call to seek partnership that will provide the necessary support and skills on labor matters.
TAWU on the other hand brings to the table unimaginable experience and in-depth knowledge in labor matters. It organizes in higher education, research institutes and private sector industries. It’s uniquely positioned to provide semblance and platform to the eagerly awaiting persons with disabilities at their various workplaces. Equally, driven by its desire of inclusion and collective development of future personnel in different facets of Botswana Economy, TAWU responded to the clarion call. The Union, embraced BCD as a life partner, who for eternity shall be remembered as a wholesome protector.
To BCD and TAWU, be rest assured that your efforts are not in vain. You are traversing uncharted waters, but your perseverance shall stand the test of time.
This partnership is expectedly to hit the ground running as it is faced with simmering challenges, some instigated in hostile workplace environments.
The mainstream laws and other strategic measures as we may have noticed, lacks deliberate interventions geared towards protecting and facilitating persons with disabilities at the workplace.
The partnership is therefore called upon to speak for the voiceless, advocate for more inclusive laws and policies, actively protect the disadvantaged and ensure promotion of equality and equity in our workplaces.
While BCD and TAWU have a lot to share and eager to project their bold vision, we cannot lose sight of the fact that today’s event is a signing ceremony.
Lest I digress, I thank you.