The Botswana Temporary Unemployed Teachers (BTUT) has called for private sector-led growth and economic diversification. In a petition submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the movement emphasised the need for stronger regulation of private schools, particularly in local recruitment practices.
“The first demand of this petition is the urgent enactment of legislation mandating that 80 percent of teachers employed in private schools be Batswana,” BTUT stated.
Botswana’s recruitment policy is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination. While expatriates are engaged when no qualified local candidates are available, the persistent hiring of foreign educators despite a pool of qualified local teachers reveals gaps in the legal framework. BTUT highlighted the negative perception created by this reliance on foreign educators.
While acknowledging the contribution of foreign expertise to the economy, BTUT argued that Botswana’s education sector has an ample supply of qualified professionals. The movement has therefore called for the immediate cancellation of all work permits issued to foreign educators and a suspension of future permits.
“The continuous issuance of permits worsens unemployment among local teachers and undermines the true potential of home-grown talent,” BTUT stressed.
According to the Work Permits Holders First Quarter 2023 report, the education sector has the second-highest number of work permit holders at 18 percent. Responding to these concerns, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Retired Major General Pius Mogware, revealed that work permits for foreign teachers had been canceled as of December last year to create opportunities for Batswana teachers.
Under Botswana’s employment laws, the minister has the authority to cancel permits if the holder violates the conditions of the permit or the country’s laws.
BTUT further argued that reducing the number of foreign educators would enhance economic circulation within the country. “This practice results in a significant outflow of financial resources, as salaries for foreign teachers are often remitted abroad, which negatively impacts the economy,” the statement read.
Advocacy for Fair Wages and Strengthened Compliance
BTUT is also advocating for equitable compensation for Batswana teachers in private schools. The movement urged the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs to ensure adherence to fair wage standards, arguing that local teachers should be paid based on their qualifications, experience, and national labour standards.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Constitution reinforces the principle of “equal remuneration for work of equal value.” According to BTUT, fair compensation should reflect the needs of workers and their families, the cost of living, productivity levels, and social security benefits, while also fostering high employment levels.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the education system, BTUT called on the government to strengthen compliance mechanisms and enforce sound management practices in the sector.
