The Southern Africa Coordination Council - Satucc

07/07/2025

We are saddened by Sister Maria, passing. Let's honour her legacy and join in celebrating her life. Please find the link to the memorial service attached below:
https://ilo-org.zoom.us/j/91933381275?pwd=cLX2F03nNyikJPBDZcpkSesDoiRijs.1

Meeting ID: 919 3338 1275
Passcode: 832268

Join us as we honour the life and legacy of our beloved colleague, Maria Machailo-Molebatsi, at a virtual memorial service to be held on 8 July 2025.

We come together in remembrance of her dedication, kindness, and contribution to the world of work.

19/06/2025

We encourage Youth especially young women to apply!

Opportunity for Young Trade Unionists!

Botswana Federation of Public, Private & Parastatal Sector Unions, Botswana Federation of Trade Unions, Institute for Labour and Employment Studies - ILES and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) will hold their second Winter School for Young Labour Activists from 7-9 August 2025 in Francistown.

The training aims to equip young trade unionists with skills, knowledge, and practical information for everyday trade union activities as well as possible pathways for developing stronger trade unions, the protection of labour rights and global cooperation.

Final selection criteria are as follows:

- Gender balance
- Fair Representation of Unions
- Fair representation of private and public sector
- Proven track record of Activism for participants
- Participants must be from Greater Francistown (Budgetary Constraints): Participants from the rest of the country are welcomed but must be sponsored by their union.
- Participants and their organisations must be in good standing with the BFTU/BOFEPUSU affiliates
- Applicants must submit their CVs (including union activism) along with a motivation letter for why they wish to attend the Winter School.

Please apply to [email protected] by 4th July 12pm latest. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

01/05/2025

Happy Workers' Day to all the hardworking workers around the world! Let's remember that human rights are workers' rights, and those rights rights extend beyond the workplace into every aspect of our lives. Together, we stand in Solidarity for fair treatment, dignity and respect in both at work in our communities. Solidarity forever! !

08/03/2025

18/01/2025

YLTP Applications open now!

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana is happy to announce the call for the Youth Leadership Training Programme in 2025.

This is an intensive 9 months long programme on democratic leadership values. The programme is offered on a flexible schedule:
1. One Saturday each month
2. Two three-day out-of-town sessions
3. Continuous coaching, mentoring and project work throughout.

WHO CAN APPLY:
• Must be between the ages of 18 – 35.
• Proof of political, civil society or trade union engagement.
• Must be motivated, dedicated to democratic values, and aspire to become a leader.
• Must be available for the whole duration of the programme.

HOW TO APPLY:
Send your CV, motivation letter, copy of your ID and a short write-up answering the following questions:
• Why are Batswana youth playing a small part in the most important institutions, policy-making as well as overall leadership issues in the country? 250 words)
• What do you propose can be done to address the above change for the betterment of Botswana?(250 words)
Submit your complete email application to: [email protected]

For more information contact:
Tel: +267 395 2441 or Email: [email protected]

NB: Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
Application closes 31 January 2025

13/11/2024

To: Government of the Republic of Mozambique
Maputo – Mozambique

SATUCC's position on the political situation in Mozambique

The Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC), the APEX body based in Gaborone - Botswana, representing 23 trade union federations in Southern Africa, including Mozambique and aggregating 6 million members, has been closely following the developments the post-election conflict that is reaching alarming proportions and has resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians.

SATUCC strongly condemns the recent electoral illegitimacy and the brutal use of force against peaceful protesters in Mozambique. We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the government's apparent disregard for human rights and the rule of law. The use of force against unarmed civilians, including women and children, is unacceptable and undermines the very fabric of democracy. Peaceful Protest/ Demonstrating is a constitutional right in Mozambique which should remain unrestricted, hence, we condemn the violent approach meted out to unarmed citizens.

SATUCC urges the government of Mozambique to engage in genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society, and trade unions, to address the grievances and concerns of the people. The current political impasse can only be resolved through peaceful means, and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a negotiated settlement.

SATUCC appeals the protesters to refrain from destroying essential service infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, mobile phone aerials and power plants, which are critical to the well-being of the population. Destroying these facilities will only exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation and further destabilize the country.

Furthermore, SATUCC calls on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and other international organizations to take concrete measures to hold the government of Mozambique accountable for its actions. We demand that these organizations impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for the violence and human rights abuses and provide support to the people of Mozambique in their quest for democracy and human rights.The international community has a moral obligation to act in the face of such blatant violation of human rights and democratic principles. We urge all nations to stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique and to use their diplomatic influence to pressure the government to respect the will of the people and adhere to democratic norms.

SATUCC reiterates its commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice in Mozambique and the entire Southern African region. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the rights and dignity of the people in Mozambique are respected and protected.

In Solidarity

Mavis Anna Koogotsitse
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY