30 Oct 2016

The Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo has told Parliament that Factories Act Cap 44:01 was first enacted in 1973 as Act No. 31 of 1973 and it commenced on January 1979. He stated that the intended purpose of the Act was to make provision for the regulation of the conditions of employment in factories and other places in regard to safety, health and welfare of persons employed therein.

He highlighted that the Act also intends to ensure safety and inspection of certain plant and machinery to avoid injuries or fatalities in the workplace.

Mr Mabeo said the Act had been in operation for 37 years adding that the Act had been reviewed since commencement, however his ministry intended to review the Act during financial year 2017/18.

MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana had asked the minister what had been done in order to cover occupations that were left out when the Factories Act was enacted, after the report on Rationalisation of Ministerial Portfolio and the Extra-Ordinary Government Gazette No 356 dated 6th September 2002 which gave the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs the functions of Occupational Health and Safety. He further asked when the Act will cover occupations that were left out to ensure that all workers enjoy protection of the law and the implications of including all occupations in terms of financial and human resources.ENDS