31 Jan 2022

As a way of reducing congestion and the risks of COVID-19 infections in the work place, International Labour Organisation (ILO) through their Pretoria office has donated 15 HP laptops and their internet routers to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development.

Speaking at the appreciation ceremony in Gaborone Thursday, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary - employment and labour, Ms Boineelo Lobelo said the assistance came at the right time during the pandemic when the government had diverted all funds to save lives and when the ministry was haunted by lack of resources, which impacted on service delivery.

“COVID-19 has and continues to adversely impact on work the world over and it is important for us to derive new ways of working in order to keep up with the pandemic, therefore the equipment will go a long way in assisting us to thrive the new normal,” she said.

Ms Lobelo further pointed out that the equipment would improve communication, efficiency and service delivery as regional labour offices would each be getting a laptop.

She also explained that Botswana joined ILO in 1978 and since then the ministry had benefited a lot from the organisation in terms of technical and financial support.

Ms Lobelo applauded ILO for their support during the trying times, adding that the ministry would utilise the equipment to work efficiently.

ILO senior programme officer responsible for decent work in Botswana, eSwatini and Lesotho, Mr Sipho Ndlovu also emphasised that the equipment would assist in carrying out all the activities without violating the COVID-19 protocols.

The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the role of technology in the workplace, and more employers are relying on artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality to save money and limit in-person contact, he said. ENDS