03 Apr 2016

The issue of backlog cases and delayed justice at courts is not only a concern to the public, but also to Members of Parliament.

This was evident when MPs debated a motion by Francistown West MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane who requested the government to increase the number of industrial court judges and industrial courts. Mr Moswaane also requested the government to set up permanent regional industrial courts in order to speed up the adjudication of trade disputes.

Supporting the motion, the MP for Shoshong, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said there was need for urgent intervention on the matter, saying some cases could be about workers overtime and severance pay thus affecting the livelihood of an employee when cases go for long unattended.

He said there was need to take remedial action that could include having more circuit courts. He added that it might even require appointing temporary judges. Mr Makgalemele said having over 4 000 cases as  backlog at industrial court was worrisome, adding that he was worried about the huge costs incurred by employees awaiting justice.

Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso also concurred that the number of mobile courts should  be increased since many people were affected by the backlog.

She said affected people were low income earners who find themselves stranded financially to keep up with delays at the industrial court. Another MP, Mr Joseph Molefe of Mahalapye West, also said industrial courts were not enough to deal with the many labour disputes in the country, adding that every district should have an industrial court.

Furthermore, Mr Molefe said labour offices also need to be capacitated and given the powers to deal with some of the disputes before proceeding to the industrial court.

Gabane-Mankgodi MP, Maj. Gen. Pius Mokgware also supported the motion, saying some people in remote areas could go for years without seeing a judge. He supported increasing the number of industrial court judges.

He said some employers were aware of the situation and that they take advantage of the situation to violate the rights of employees. Maj. Gen. Mokgware also suggested that the Trade Dispute Act needed to be reviewed and amended to help address some of the issues.

Lobatse MP, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said what was happening was worrisome, adding that over 4 000 cases as backlog was too much.

He said judges were overwhelmed with work, hence the need to increase the number of industrial court judges.

Advocate Kebonag also said if there was no budget for permanent judges, the government should consider appointing acting judges.

Ramotswa MP, Mr Samuel Rantuana said the issue was important and needed urgent attention.

He said labour disputes were on the increase and that victims have resorted to visiting MPs’ offices for resolutions because the industrial court took long to address their grievances. Ends