06 Dec 2023

The Minimum Wages Advisory Board (MWAB) is already in existence and properly constituted in terms of Section 131 of the Employment Act as at June 2023. This was said by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi, when answering a question in Parliament on Monday.

Ms Mokgethi said the board consists of three independent persons, three members representing government, three members representing employers and their three alternate members and this is provided for in terms of the third schedule of the Employment Act.

She said the information is derived form a well-researched or factual information from relevant public entities and private institutions, which include among others the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Statistics Botswana.

She said government is advised by a tripartite plus board on the appropriate minimum wage from time to time and in doing so, one of the factors considered is the cost of living as required by the law (Employment Act).

Ms Mokgethi said the board has made such recommendation and approved by her office and it is important to note that the minimum wage by definition is the statutory wage only and does not prevent employers from paying their employees more or equivalent to their income earnings as businesses.

Employers remain at liberty to realise the value that their employees bring to the business and reward them accordingly.

The Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington South, Mr Christian Greeff had asked the minister to explain when she intends to set up a minimum wage advisory board in terms of Part XVI of Employment Act. ENDS