The Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT) held a Special Conference on the 29 May 2021 at Avani Maseru Hotel, Maseru. The Conference resolved on a number of the Union Constitution amendments and the formation of the Union Microfinance intended to be the first teachers’ bank in Lesotho.
Background
History records that teacher unions in Lesotho have put focus mainly on the welfare and protection of rights for their members contrary to a number of trade unions in other countries such as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) that have diversified their scope beyond just workers welfare and rights but economic activities intended to improve their members economic status and their education systems. If anything, Unions in Lesotho have engaged on small scale cooperatives which have proofed not so effective in addressing the financial plight of teachers in Lesotho. AFT on the other hand, has a diversified business wing the benefits of which cannot be overemphasised.
Unions in Lesotho, including LAT, that have had some form of business are only those that have housed external microfinances providing loans to teachers which in many cases would subject teachers to high interests. Thus for a very long time teachers of Lesotho have subjected themselves to loans with hefty interests and very little, if any, financial literacy programmes meant to help them. Some bitter consequences include, among others, absenteeism resulting from teachers running away from external microfinances and stress-related illness.
The 2021 Special Conference
Day 1
Delegates arrived on the 28 May 2021 at Victoria Hotel under strict COVID 19 protocols. On the same day, the National Executive Committee had a precursor meeting including a session on good corporate governance and best practices conducted my Mr Sekonyela MAPETJA from the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN).
Day 2
The Conference was graced by the presence of former Presidents, former Secretaries General, former National Treasurers and LAT veterans. LAT leadership strongly believes in institutional memory and unity hence the invitation of these important former office bearers and veterans captured below. The event was further graced by the presence of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr Lira KHAMA including Mr Sam MPHAKA who not only unfolded the untapped treasures of lying in the business sphere championed by unions in Lesotho.
Former Presidents
Former Secretaries General
Former National Treasurer
Veterans
Constitution Amendment
The Conference ratified recommendations from the National Executive Committee and some of the submissions from the Branches. To mention but a few provisions, the Constitution has now nine (9) members of the National Executive Committee (formerly known as National Office Bearers) from thirteen (13). The Constitution has clear separation of powers between the National Council (formerly called the National Executive Committee of thirty three members (33). The National Council now manages the general affairs of the Union. Moreover, the Constitution accommodates formation of microfinances and the Union bank.
The LAT Microfinance and Bank
A landmark resolution by LAT to emancipate teachers from money sharks and improve the economic status of teachers was made in this foregoing conference through the development of the Union Microfinance and Bank. This ground-breaking resolution which will go a long way in addressing teachers’ financial plight will also include skills transfer and a number of programmes, inter alia, financial literacy programmes, unionism training for members etc.
It is envisaged that the Microfinance will be up and running by the end of 2021. The project will be incubated in the LAT new offices (some of which are rented to tenants) until a fully-fledged Company Secretariat is in place. The Conference resolved that he Microfinance will be a public Company governd by the Board of Directors. There will be a Board of Trustees on behalf of members some members of which will be in the Board of Directors.
Conclusion
The Conference was a resounding success in all aspects; inter the organisation and resolutions made amidst COVID 19. The exceptional planning and execution ensured that all COVID 19 protocols were adhered to from the arrival day for boarding and lodging at Vitoria Hotel to the D-Day at Avani Maseru Hotel. Indeed members of LAT enjoyed the respect they deserve; to stage meetings at prestigious venues commensurate to the status of teachers.
Guided by inspirational words of Collin Powell, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work”, the membership of LAT committed to support the Union leadership to working hard to put the dream into reality.
