16 Feb 2016

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu says first labour inspection conducted at Gut and Mas on February 11, 2016 revealed that the company was generally in compliance with labour laws.

Mr Batshu said he was not aware that employees of Gut and Mas (Pty) Ltd continue to suffer any abuse and unfavourable working conditions from their employer.

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, Mr Batshu said the inspection further revealed an anomaly regarding calculations of hours of work that could result in loss of overtime hours.

The employer was advised to correct the anomaly, which the company has agreed to do with immediate effect.

Minister Batshu also said he was made aware that the company used to give out loans to employees at an interest rate of 13 per cent per month. This practice, he said, was stopped in January 2016 as it was in violation of section 87 of the Employment Act. “During the same period the company was, and is still providing salary advance to employees at no interest.

After cessation of direct provision of loans to employees, the company arranged for a loan facility for employees with a private cash loan company as the employees felt that they needed such a facility,” he said.

The minister told the House that workers in Botswana are protected by various labour laws which are implemented by the ministry through the Department of Labour and Social Security, noting that where violations are discovered appropriate action is taken in the form of advice and or penalties as prescribed by the law. In addition, he said records show that Gut and Mas (Pty) Ltd is a construction company and not licensed to trade with money.

He nevertheless urged members of the public to report any violations of labour laws. Gut and Mas has an establishment of 300 employees and they all have work contracts, said Mr Batshu. MP for Gaborone North, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister if he was aware that employees at the company continue to suffer abuse and unfavourable working conditions from their employers. Ends