Suspended BONU president speaks out
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 25, 2023 06:00
“All I want is peace. This is why we did not oppose the court action by the secretary-general (SG),” he said. Early this month, SG Lebogang Phillip was suspended with immediate effect pending disciplinary hearing.
He then took the matter to court forcing the organisation to reinstate him. Recently, Baleseng had written to members that the SG would resume his duties without hindrance until the determination of the judicial review application was instituted.
His suspension letter read:”You are to refrain from attending any duties at the union offices or any of its affiliates while the investigation continues, you will remain reachable and within the availability of the union and/or its auditors for the duration of the investigation.” However, when he returned to office, SG’s faction seemingly retaliated by suspending the president. Baleseng is now seeking legal opinion.
“I am seeking legal opinion but I think the best way forward to end this mess is for BONU to call an extra ordinary congress. The members will decide,” Baleseng said.
He revealed that he was suspended because of implementing resolutions of the Annual General Conference (AGC). Baleseng believes that what he is being accused of, is just an excuse by the CC. According to Baleseng, the CC wants to delay the implementation of AGC resolutions by suspending him. Still, on the matter, he said the anger that is displayed by some members of the committee against him is shocking. He said there was no way they could avoid conducting a forensic audit when members had asked for it.
Baleseng also added that there is a need for the CC to work together and reconcile to build the union or for members to give guidance on what should happen. In that regard, Baleseng’s belief is that the court cannot be the answer to their problems but rather members are. He emphasised that BONU is steadfast and therefore it could not be shaken by anyone.
The suspended president also pointed out that the other issue disadvantaging his leadership is the sad reality where the new CC has 13 members, five of which are new. The rest come from the old committee. He said the old members always out number them during meeting resolutions, thereby frustrating their efforts to take the union forward.
A letter dated September 18, 2023, written to Baleseng reads: “It has come to the Central Executive Committee (CEC)’s attention that there are allegations of misconduct against you, as BONU president.
The alleged acts of misconduct include but not limited to abuse of office, unauthorised use of union property (vehicle – plate number: B377BMF) for personal errands without authorisation of the CEC, failure to adhere to and observe principles of democracy and collective responsibility, thereby undermining the interests, business and constitution of the union, failure to prioritise the business of the union by non-attendance to CEC meetings without a reasonable cause, failure to maintain unity within union membership and structures particularly the CEC.”