24 Aug 2016

Safari workers in the delta have appealed to the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu to pay a surprise visit to their workplaces.

They told the minister during a recent meeting that there is a lot to be desired at their workplaces, noting that their managers were ill-treating them while some were not complying with government policies in place.

They appreciated efforts made by the department of labour by conducting routine inspections, but noted that it was unfortunate as they liaised with the managers who always changed their schedule so that they could put their houses in order.

The workers informed the minister that some company officials drove vehicles without licences. They also noted that they were living in fear as they were not free to voice their concerns with their supervisors as they were threatened that they would be fired.

“Our rights are being violated and it is unfortunate as we have no forum where we are free to voice our grievances because at work we fear victimisation,” said one of the disgruntled employees.

They also stated that their security was compromised as they lived in unfenced houses and yet they were surrounded by dangerous wild animals. They further complained about the hiring of expatriates at the expense of the locals and questioned the implementation of the localisation policy.

The chairperson of Botswana Guide Association, Mr Kenson Kgage shared the sentiments with workers, noting that he used to visit their workplaces to address them and appreciate their concerns.

He said now the managers were refusing to give him permission to address workers. He noted that their jobs were not protected and called on the minister to do something as many were losing their jobs despite the high unemployment rate in the country.

Councillor for Makgobokgobo, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo said recently workers from a certain company threatened to go on strike because of ill treatment by their manager who was later transferred to Chobe.

He said the manager was undermining workers as she did not want to be advised by black people. Regarding safety of workers, he noted that they once had an incident where an employee was attacked by a lion because their ablution facilities were far from their houses.

For his part, Mr Batshu urged workers to talk freely and report any victimisation to his office, adding that there should be fair play and that workers should talk freely about their rights.

“If you report, I will make sure that we reach such companies.” Ends