10 May 2017

Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo says the two-day deliberations at the just ended Employment and Skills Development Pitso in Selebi Phikwe from today (May 11) to May 12 will add everlasting value to the establishment of productive relationships with stakeholders and the growth of the ministry and the country’s economy.   

He said the input from all participants and the resolutions from the meeting would help drive the economy of the country to another level.

He explained that with the right knowledge and skills in the labour market, doors to new possibilities or opportunities would open up.

“Therefore I encourage you all, be it government or private sector to join in the share of commitment to enhance the technical skills and equip Batswana with the relevant skills for sustainable livelihoods and a better labour market,” he said.

He said  that there was a skills gap as Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) indicated during the meeting, something he said needed to be addressed.

He said technological developments were shaping the way people lived and worked as well as the way people did business in the process of transforming many sectors of the economy.

He therefore said relevant skills and better job profiles were needed.

Minister Mabeo said there was a need to increase productivity and labour market participation and that the country needed to improve the current level of welfare.

“I therefore urge you to continue working together and let us maintain the cordial relations for the betterment and growth of our country,” he said.

Mr Mabeo  acknowledged the labour movement, Business Botswana and government as well as contribution by stakeholders during the two-day ‘Pitso’.  

“For us as a ministry it is indeed an achievement,” he said.

He indicated that he had taken heed of all requests and suggestions and said he would act on them.

He said government, labour movement, employees and business sector needed to continue working together and dialogue more often as well as support one another to ensure that they improve the condition of the current welfare of Batswana.

“We have a role to play. It has taken us a lot of effort to be where we are now as a country, therefore we cannot afford to let these efforts diminish as a result of non-dialogue,” he said.

Minister Mabeo further thanked Selebi Phikwe town and its leadership for hosting the Pitso and assured that the town would never be a ghost town due to the closure of BCL Mine.

He said presentations by various organisations that took place during the two-day deliberations, especially SPEDU gave assurance to people of Selebi Phikwe and other areas that the town would not fade away.

He assured attendants at the ‘Pitso’ that cabinet was doing all it could to ensure that it sustained the lives of people and businesses in Selebi Phikwe.

That is why government is calling on businesses to invest in the town and also provide incentives such as reasonable tax for investors, he said.

The SPEDU made a presentation during the two-day Pitso on projects and businesses government was extending to Selebi Phikwe.

He also mentioned that BCL Mine and Tati Mining Company former workforce were impacted by the closure of BCL Mine and government was providing assistance to ensure that the former workers of the mines were provided with the opportunity to be able to go back to work and provided with sustainable jobs.  

“That is where the interest of government is and what government is trying to achieve,” he said.

He said government would work together with labour movement and get back to the negotiation table with unions.

“This is our country and the responsibility lies with us to take this country to another level.

The rate of unemployment of youth propels us to collaborate to ensure that we create enabling environment for youth to have jobs or venture into businesses,” he said. ENDS