01 May 2025

Jwaneng as a mining town, is by nature a working town, pulling together people from all walks of life to eke a living, thus rendering it a town of hope for the unemployed, the poor and those looking for a better tomorrow.

Thus observed Jwaneng deputy district commissioner, Reverend Gabriel Tsuaneng, who, however, acknowledged that it was not always the case that the said hope was realised.

Addressing workers at this year’s commemoration of the International Workers’ Day, commonly known as May Day in Jwaneng, Rev. Tsuaneng therefore underscored the need for trade unions to expand their mandate beyond advocating for workers’ rights and speak for voiceless groups as well as eradicate child labour. 

He however appreciated the role of unions in rising to the challenges faced by the workers, noting that unions were a mitigating factor against labour exploitation.

Rev. Tsuaneng called on unions to harmoniously engage employers to collectively address the challenges faced by the workers and the broader community.

“Your struggles must also fashion the future for those who come after you,” he said.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Omphemetse Kwapa reiterated the government’s commitment towards enforcing workers’ rights and ensuring there was no exploitation, as espoused in the international conventions, to which Botswana is a signatory.

He said the government intended to create a conducive environment for trade unions to advance the rights of workers, acknowledging that a Large number of workers were employed on temporary basis, which arrangement denied them the security and benefits that came with permanent employment.

He said decent jobs and minimum wages were some of the interventions that would cushion workers against the high cost of living.

National Amalgamated, Local, Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union National Executive Committee member, Ms Joyce Ogopotse expressed the need for a conducive workplace environment for the human resource to thrive. She urged employees to form workplace committees mandated with advancing the interests and rights of workers.

 She noted that such would ensure proper channels to engage the employers as well as encourage fellow workers to diligently execute their responsibilities. ENDS