01 May 2025

The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware has encouraged contractors to respect employment policies and workers rights.

He made the remarks when addressing MMG Khoemacau Copper Mine employees yesterday, saying the ministry was disturbed by complaints from some workers who decried unfair treatment by some sub-contractors engaged by the mine. 

As such, he said main contractors should hold their sub-contractors accountable for violating labour laws and safety measures in place.

Maj. Gen. Mokgware said some workers complained about health safety while some were not happy with the labour situation at the mine saying the situation was deteriorating and affecting productivity.

“Both the employer and the employees should understand that each has a right to be respected and I expect the sub-contractors as well to understand the purpose of the mine and the employees and stop their habit of ill-treating them,” he added.

While, he appreciated that the mine had a policy in place that aimed to promote safety and labour relations, he said some sub-contractors signed long contractors with the main contractor but hired employees on short term contracts. As such, he advised management to look into such issues as it created unfair advantage on workers.

Some, he said had the tendency of leaving the employees in limbo without paying them their severance benefits when their contracts came to an end and challenged the main contractor to check on such issues before paying sub-contractors.

The minister also pleaded with sub-contractors to allow employees to unionise as that promoted a fairer workplace for all employees. Unions, he said provided significant benefits to workers including better wages, benefits, working conditions and job security.

“As the government, we do not want to see employees losing their jobs or mines shutting down because of poor working relationship between them and their employer. He also urged management to take action against contractors that undermined their policies to protect the image of the organisation.

The minister further informed the gathering about the new Labour and Employment Act, which he said would be tabled before Parliament during the winter session saying the envisioned law would provide a lasting solution to challenges in the workplace.

MMG Khoemacau operation director, Mr Weiquan Xia thanked the minister for his visit saying the engagement would foster collaboration and help address issues of concern within the mine. He also appreciated that it would also help to explore new opportunities that would promote unity in the mine community. 

The mine, he said, was committed to promote issues of health safety and create a conducive environment for all and also impact positively on the community they operate within.

“We are ready to work with the government to take the mining industry to greater heights through compliance of existing laws of the country,” he added. ENDS