10 Dec 2023

Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane has emphasised the need for a symbiotic relationship between workers and the government, in order to achieve development goals.

Giving a keynote address at the Botswana Mine Workers Union elective congress in Francistown on Thursday, Mr Tsogwane said that workers should not be seen as passive recipients of government policies, but rather as active participants in the national development process. 

He expressed the importance of treating the government as a partner rather than an adversary, emphasising the need for collaboration and cooperation between both sides.

Recognizing the significant role trade unions play in safeguarding workers’ rights, promoting justice, and shaping workforce policies, Mr Tsogwane stressed the government’s commitment to incorporating the insights and advocacy of trade unions in policy formulation. He acknowledged the pivotal role trade unions play in fostering industrial harmony, a crucial factor in attracting both domestic and foreign investments for job creation.

“Your role extends beyond mere representation, you are a dynamic force propelling socio-economic progress,”he said.He said government endeavoured to harness the collective strength and wisdom from trade unions, understanding that the unions participation  on matters of governance contributed immeasurably to the formulation of policies and priorities for the citizens wellbeing.

“Harmonising industrial relations are cornerstone of workforce productivity, generatinga profound sense of loyality rooted in job satisfaction. These variables are paramount as we collectively aspire to ellevate our economic status,”he said.

The Vice President addressed concerns within the mining sector, expressing the government’s commitment to addressing issues related to safety negligence, wage exploitation, abuse of the workforce, and inadequate health and safety standards.

  He emphasised the critical role mining played in the country’s development but urged the industry to ensure that these benefits were not derived at the expense of the workforce.

Mr Joseph Tsimako, President of the Botswana Mines Workers Union, called on the government to protect the rights of mineworkers. 

He expressed the union’s support for Vision 2036 and President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda, saying  the importance of a strong and stable economy should  benefit all citizens. Mr Tsimako condemned mining companies that exploited workers through low wages and highlighted the union’s efforts to address these injustices.

He said among the challenges facing mineworkers, was job security which has been  identified as a major concern.

He said there had been reports that some workers who spoke of unfair treatment and other injustices were often threatened with dismissal.“This is unfair treatment and we need to applaud the unionion for taking the matter up with the highest office,” he said.

However, he said the union had not gotten the desired response from the office. 

 Mr Tsimako stressed the need for workers to have confidence in their future and the ability to plan for the long term.

The congress was themed Workers’ Rights are Critical to Sustainable Development and saw discussions centered around the importance of a collaborative relationship between workers and the government in achieving sustainable development goals. ENDS