Members of Parliament on Monday unanimously approved the Employment and Labour Relations Bill tabled by Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware with a strong call for stricter enforcement of labour laws through regular inspections of workplaces across the country.

The bill aimed at also improving working conditions and strengthening the protection of employees’ rights, received wide support from both ruling and opposition MPs and has gone to Committee Stage for amendments.

It was hailed as a critical step toward addressing long-standing labour concerns, including delayed wages, child labour and unsafe work environments.

Debating the bill, Kanye East MP, Mr Prince Mosanana underscored the urgency of action, citing the need for direct oversight to prevent abuse and exploitation in workplaces.

“Labour inspectors need to go to different organisations and workplaces to see what is actually happening. It is not enough to sit in offices and rely on reports, we need boots on the ground to uncover the reality of working conditions,” said Mr Mosanana.

He added that inspections would also help identify cases of child labour, which remained a concern in some sectors.

“We cannot allow children to be used in labour while they should be in schools, inspectors can play a vital role in putting a stop to this,” he said.

Lentsweletau-Lephephe MP, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu, supported the call for inspections and proposed surprise visits to prevent employers from concealing violations. 

“This is about human dignity and ensuring that no worker is exploited under our watch. We need transparency and accountability, especially in sectors where delayed wages and unsafe conditions are common,” said Mr Bogatsu.

He pointed to troubling reports from the informal and manufacturing sectors, where workers, including security personnel, often endured late or partial payments, poor sanitation, lack of safety equipment and other unacceptable conditions.

“Many workers suffer in silence due to fear of losing their jobs. Labour inspections can help bring these issues to light and hold employers accountable,” he said.

Mr Bogatsu demanded harsher penalties for violators and urged for greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society and communities to eradicate the practice. “The presence of children in hazardous workplaces is not only illegal, it robs them of their future, children belong in school, not in the workplace with their parent. Education is a right, not a privilege,” he said. 

Echoing similar sentiments, MP for Gaborone South, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana voiced concern over the increasing number of children seen working alongside adults in informal markets, farms and workshops.

“Failing to educate a child is failing the nation, we must hold everyone accountable,” said Mr Ramaotwana.

He proposed that punitive measures be introduced against guardians who deliberately kept children out of school.

Adding to the discussion, the MP for Tswapong North, Mr Prince Maele emphasised the importance of diverse educational options, particularly vocational training, for every school going children. 

He said greater investment in technical schools and training centres, had been done, to ensure all children had access to meaningful education and future opportunities. ENDS