23 Jan 2025

Upholding workers rights is a critical factor in reducing workplace conflicts and addressing issues hindering labour efficiency and staff morale.

This was said by Assistant Minister of Higher Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa during a tour of the Gaborone Technical College yesterday.

“Workers’ rights are human rights and it is crucial to know your responsibilities to help curb worker exploitation,” Mr Hunyepa said.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for relevant stakeholders to conduct regular checks and balances to resolve pertinent issues in the workplace. He urged tertiary institutions, including vocational training colleges and brigades to leverage their strategic partnerships to ease the financial burden on government.

“Government alone cannot fund all aspects of educational development. Educational institutions must make use of strategic partnerships to aid skill and infrastructure development. This collaboration will fuel the success of schools and ease the pressure on government funding,” he said.

The assistant minister also commended Gaborone Technical College for developing well-tailored vocational programmes. Further, Mr Hunyepa underscored the significance of capacity building initiatives for educators in collaboration with the private sector to enhance vocational skills training.

He also reiterated government’s commitment to increase tertiary students allowance to P2 500. Mr Hunyepa also called on the school management to entrust the Student Representative Council with responsibilities of addressing issues such as absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse.

Also, he highlighted the importance of student bodies voicing their grievance and ensuring their concerns were addressed.

For her part, the school principal, Ms Lesego Mokgwathise appealed for government approval to restructure courses to include practical skills training.

“We seek government approval to adjust our curriculum to offer courses in fields like plumbing, electrical engineering, and bricklaying. This will better equip our graduates with diverse skills, fostering job creation and reducing unemployment, which ultimately contributes to economic growth,” she said.

Staff representative, Mr Daniel Pule raised concerns about lack of career progression, absence of staff housing, among other things. ENDS