04 Nov 2014

Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs (MLHA) welcomed its minister, Mr Edwin Batshu at the ministry headquarters in Gaborone on November 3 .

In his remarks, the permanent secretary, Mr Ikwatlhaeng Bagopi said that they were delighted to welcome the minister back as they had pending issues that they needed to finish.

Mr Bagopi thanked the nation of Botswana for having retained Mr Batshu in parliament as that showed the trust the people of Nkange region had towards him and also the President of Botswana Lt Gen. Ian Khama Seretse Khama for having sent him back to MLHA.

He promosied him that they will work together positively as they had worked for the past five years, adding that he was happy about the overall performance of the ministry.

For his part, Mr Batshu said that he was delighted to have been posted back to the same ministry and thanked the president for another opportunity to serve the ministry. He emphasised the importance of delivery and told all employees that they should serve the people of Botswana and all those who needed their help diligently. 

He said that they should display the 5 DS (Delivery, Discipline, Dignity, Development and Democracy) of the president on their daily work. He elaborated more on discipline, he said that all employees had to be disciplined as nothing can be achieved when there is no discipline.

Mr Batshu said that his ministry will ensure that first preference will be given Batswana when it comes to employment unless if there is no qualified Motswana. He said that they should have respect for everyone regardless of where they are coming from or status as before GOD all people are equal because they deal with everyone in Botswana regarding their services like omang and passport.

Mr Batshu also urged the employees to refrain from corruption as it ruins their lives. “It would be painful to see a person being jailed for having accepted a bribery of P10 “, he said. 

He emphasised that people should not be tempted to do such as he won’t tolerate it, and people will face serious punishment that could lead to expulsion.

In conclusion Batshu blew the whistle as he said that it is a sign that the journey has started and everyone should pull up their socks and look forward to improve and deliver good services to the nation and others. He said no one should be left behind but should be on the same pace. ENDS