14 Feb 2019

Programmes officer at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Ms Boipelo Marumo, has commended Internship and Tirelo Sechaba participants for their spirit of volunteerism. 

Ms Marumo said this at a workshop aimed at addressing concerns raised by the participants. 

She indicated that the workshop was intended to curb the challenges, which were raised by the participants under the Botswana National Service Programme (BNSP). 

“First of all, let me thank you for your volunteerism, as you continue to work for the benefit of our people. This is crucial as it forms a foundation to building a concrete society, “he said. 

Some participants decried their working conditions, saying they were not provided with protective clothing. 

They indicated that this was a breach of regulations under the Workman’s Compensation Act, thereby jeopardising their chances of them being compensated, should they be involved in an accident. 

Participants also decried lower allowances as stipulated by the government.

In her response, Ms Marumo encouraged participants to keep working hard at their designated field of work, despite the challenges they were going through. 

“You should work hard, fly high and aim high. Be calm, patient and produce excellent results,” she said. 

She, however noted that, from time to time the office would engage with their departments to find how best they could be assisted, to create a conducive working environment. 

“It is our responsibility as the ministry to ensure that you are safe in your field of work. Our intention is to ensure that we regularly visit your worksites or departments to make ensure that you are treated with care,” he said. 

She advised those who had been provided with protective clothing, to ensure that they followed their safety regulations as required, because Department of Workman’s Compensation might not compensate in cases where they failed to adhere to safety regulations. 

Ms Marumo also advised participants, who took maternity to bear in mind that, there would not be given allowance  while on martenity leave. ends