Botswana to allow sacked strikers to re-apply for jobs
GABORONE — Botswana will allow more than 1,400 health workers to re-apply for their jobs after they were sacked for ignoring a court order to end a strike, an official said Tuesday.
But the government will give no guarantee that they will be re-hired, said Eric Molale, secretary to President Ian Khama, further enraging unions for public workers who went on strike seven weeks ago.
The union has not responded as yet.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jS8eFteGSlE6h3HqnFJBwsJueDzQ?docId=CNG.fafcacea0287fbeab90256732f165e1e.401
Meanwhile, the banks have weathered the economic crisis well:
News that the Bank of Botswana (BoB) has curtailed the penalties banks can charge customers for settling their loans early is reason to kill the fatted calf.
But as the champagne flows, it would be prudent for the central bank's supervisory department to investigate what is likely to be sector-wide 'indiscretions' regarding charges in the banking system. It boggles the mind how the country's 12 banks - which already hold P27 billion in loans, most of them from individuals - were allowed to add another premium on these assets in the form of the heavy penalties which were on top of the interest already accruing.
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=9&aid=1410&dir=2011/June/Tuesday7
Things returning to normal in Botswana, now that the boss has gone back home to Europe:
With Good Policies Supported by a Rebound in Diamond Exports, Botswana’s Economy Back onto a Strong Growth Trajectory says IMF
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Lamin Leigh visited Gaborone during May 18-31 to conduct the 2011 Article IV Consultation discussions with Botswana. The mission’s work focused on reviewing recent economic developments and prospects and policies to ensure continued macroeconomic stability and growth. The mission met with Minister of Finance and Development Planning, the Honorable O. Kenneth Matambo; Bank of Botswana Governor, Ms. Linah K. Mohohlo, P ermanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Solomon M. Sekwakwa; senior government officials, development partners, and representatives from the private sector and civil society.
http://www.diamondne.ws/2011/06/07/with-good-policies-supported-by-a-rebound-in-diamond-exports-botswanas-economy-back-onto-a-strong-growth-trajectory-says-imf/
