24 Aug 2016

The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has urged the hotel, lodge operators and their employees to create a harmonious working relationship in the workplace which will result in a productive service.

He made the plea during different meetings aimed to share issues of operation with regard to their businesses and also to iron out issues of concern among operators and employees.

Firstly he met with the employees who work in the safaris in the delta and later with the hotel and lodge operators.

He said for their business to make better profits, there should be an efficient, responsible, obedient and reliable management, investors and employees.

He emphasised the need for all to obey the laws, policies, labour practices in place and also the company rules, regulations and agreements.

Mr Batshu revealed that there was a general expectation that all should be obedient in the workplace in terms of the rule of law and principles of workplace.

He also pointed out that it was important to remove obstacles that hindered them to do more in the workplace and grow the tourism sector adding that they should understand that they were key to the growth of the country's economy hence the need to create a conducive environment.

Mr Batshu acknowledged the huge contribution by tourism industry in the growth of the economy and the Gross Domestic Product.

“Tourism industry is doing exceptionally well in economic growth because of the workers and operators hence it is important to listen to your concerns and come up with solutions,” he added.

The minister also informed the gathering that his ministry was disturbed by reports of discrimination, racism, abusive language, harassment amongst the employees particularly those in safari companies in the delta by their employers.

He said they had received reports of racism where some managers called Batswana “kaffirs” and warned that if investigations could reveal that it was true, punitive action would be taken against the concerned managers.

Mr Batshu said the panel code stated that it was criminal to use such words and the person who used such words could be removed from the country.
“That is crime and we will not tolerate it in our country,” he warned.

He said since his ministry's role was to facilitate foreign investment trade and gate keeping, they should look for genuine investors who added value to the country.

He also expressed concern about reports that employees were denied access to health services to get treatment especially those taking ARVs as managers claimed that it was expensive to transport them.

He stated that good health was one of the government priorities hence commitment to ensure improved health for all.

The gathering was also briefed about government aims such as improving the livelihoods of Batswana through an improved economy. Ends