The Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) have launched a Group Life Assurance Scheme aimed at improving the lives of members and dependents during their time of employment, retirement and even in death.
Speaking to Voice Money, Vice President, Mothusi Mojela and Principal Officer for Babereki Insurance Brokers, Era Maseko said the scheme will minimise financial problems for their families in the event of a member’s passing.
“It’s important to note that this benefit is not just for members of the union, but also for their families. It’s a way to provide security and peace of mind for those who may be left behind. Group Life Assurance is valuable for members of the union, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a way to ensure their family’s financial security,” said Mojela.
He added the scheme, which was officially launched in February following a four-month consultation period across BOPEU’s structures and regions, is compulsory for the union’s members.
However, Mojela stressed it ‘will definitely’ give them competitive rates as monthly subscriptions will be charged at just P70 a month.
“The GLA is a great way for our members to protect their families financially in the case of an unexpected death. We want to ensure that our members have the best coverage possible at the lowest cost, that’s why we’ve been able to negotiate such low rates for them through this group scheme,” the duo said, adding they are currently conducting sensitization campaigns across the country.
Maseko further pointed out that through the GLA, members can also enjoy an Occupational Disability Insurance to cover for situations of an unpredictable disability.
“The coverage provides members with protection against permanent or temporary disability and critical illness. We know that having the financial security of disability insurance is invaluable and can help you and your family in difficult times. That’s why we strive to make this coverage as comprehensive and affordable as possible,” he said.
With an estimated 37, 000 members, BOPEU says the first deductions of the GLA were effected in February, causing some members to complain since they were unaware the scheme had started.
However, Mojela insisted the complaints have been dealt with and the concerned members have since been fully informed of the scheme.
One of the biggest benefits of the scheme will see members and their families protected with a P200, 000 payout in the event of either death or permanent disability. The money will be paid out to either the nominated beneficiaries or to the member themselves. Members will also have an option to choose schemes for family members and relatives.
I’ve long written to them with my complaint they just acknowledged receipt of the letter but my concern hasn’t been responded to. We are many, but there is no response from BOPEU on our complaints. The structures referred to here have not gone to the multitudes of BOPEU members. We just got shocked by seeing deductions from our payslips which we were not aware of. Those structured misled BOPEU management by saying they addressed membership. That’s not true. We want our monies back please BOPEU. We already have lifecovers elsewhere of more money than your cover