06 Feb 2014

About 10 294 national identity cards (Omang) in Ngamiland have expired and 1 500 people have not collected their new cards.

Addressing residents of Maun recently, the Minister of Labour and Home affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu advised employers to encourage employees to renew their expired national identity cards.

The minister briefed the meeting on the ministry’s mandate and functions of various departments under the ministry adding that such a move would enable people to access government services.

Mr Batshu said people could use available suggestion boxes in various offices countrywide to register any grievances on labour issues. The internship programme, he said, had produced good results adding that out of 8 639 students enrolled since the programme’s inception, 5 387 managed to secure permanent jobs.

The programme also had students attached outside the borders in countries such as South Africa and India. In the next financial year, he said they hoped to enroll about 40 students for internships in India while six will be sent to South Africa.

One of the residents, Mr Jacoba Thabano applauded the minister informing them about his ministry’s mandate and also welcomed the decision to review the registration of churches. 

Mr Dennis Mpofu from Ra Bua Media Social Network Club, which assesses service delivery in organisations, said some employers exploit employees as they order them to work long hours without being paid overtime while issues of racism have also become a concern.

The North West district council chairperson, Mr Latlhang Molonda applauded the Minister for educating the public and advised people to put to good use information provided.

In response, Minister Batshu said he was aware of allegations of exploitation of employees and the labour advisory committee would be engaged to investigate.  ENDS