06 Aug 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has pleaded with Members of Parliament  to set aside their political affiliations and strive for the betterment of the citizenry.

Contributing to the Trade Dispute (Amendment) Bill (2019) debate, President Masisi urged legislators to approach parliamentary debates honourably and with a bigger purpose of positively contributing towards enriching the livelihoods of Batswana and not to gain political millage.

He said MPs should not think of their individual welfare or their political patrons, but should consider the welfare of Batswana.

 President Masisi said there was a need for MPs to sometime pause on politicking and strengthen their character attributes which would guide their zeal to make a difference in the lives of the community they served.

 “Let us all serve with integrity, fairness, impartiality, honesty and truthfulness. Together, let us lead our community to become dynamic and adaptable individuals who are not afraid to think creatively and proactively,” he said.

President Masisi acknowledged that political obstacles could sometimes stand in the way of the country’s transformation agenda, and cautioned that political bickering  should have no place if legislators were  to move forward proactive legislation making.

He said it was fitting for him to fully support the Trade Dispute (Amendment) Bill as it was in line with government commitment to review labour laws as well as determination to improve industrial relations.

President Masisi emphasised government’s efforts to ensure that certain legislations were submitted for discussion in order to serve the nations interests.

With regard to the Trade Dispute (Amendment) Bill, President Masisi said it was pleasing to note that the proposed amendments, with the view to review the list of essential services employees, were also applauded by trade union representatives during their engagements with government.

Contributing to the debate, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane commended government for creating good relations with trade unions.

Mr Tsogwane, who is also Member of Parliament for Boteti North, said Botswana as an open and transparent country, commits to implementation of  the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention as recommended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Responding to the debate, Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo acknowledged tripartite partners, been Directorate of Public Service Management, trade unions and Business Botswana for setting up a labour law review committee which led to the review of certain bottlenecks in the Employment Act.

 He applauded MPs for supporting the proposed amendments, saying they would come in handy in enhancing productivity and service delivery.ENDS