16 Nov 2016

The Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo, says government will develop an employment strategy, which will have clear goals and targets during National Development Plan (NDP) 11.  

Addressing parliament on November 15 during the discussion of Chapter 6 of the draft NDP 11, Minister Mabeo said the development and implementation of the employment strategy framework would put employment creation at the centre of macro-economic policies and mainstreamed into the Vision 2036 goals.

“It will outline the elements of sectoral and labour market policies to ensure greater access to employment and self-employment opportunities for target groups such as young people,” he said.

Minister Mabeo said government would continue to engage social partners for harmonious and peaceful industrial relations to promote socio-economic growth and development.

He said to achieve this, a number of initiatives would be undertaken amongst them, amendment of the Workers’ Compensation Act, Trade Unions and Employers’ Organisations Act, and the Employment Act, strengthening of Labour inspections, establishment of an independent dispute resolution structure and establishment of a National Tripartite Social Dialogue Structure.

Other initiatives were development of a National Employment Policy, development of a National Policy on Wellness and Disease Management in World of Work and development of a National Occupational Health and Safety Policy.

“Development of these policies and laws will result in a comprehensive and harmonised legal and regulatory framework for all sectors of the economy,” he said.

The minister proposed P8.7 million for maintenance of brigades, P45 million for Local Area Network (LAN) upgrade and equipment for brigades and P12 million for Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC) computerisation. BOPA