10 Aug 2025

Tourism operators have been implored to work together in a civic and harmonious manner to foster growth within the industry.

 Minister of Labour and Home Affair, Major General Pius Mokgware made the call during a meeting with the business community in Maun on Thursday.

He said there was a lot of infighting within the tourism industry over concessions especially among business owners in the Okavango delta.

He said it seemed some operators had connections within the government system and were sabotaging others, thus he warned those doing so to stop the practice as it could hinder the growth of the sector.

Operators were encouraged to work as team and recognise the industry’s role in economic growth and job creation. .

“Let us not turn the industry into a ‘mafia’ industry but rather compete in fair manner. By embracing collaboration, you can create a more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous tourism industry in the country,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Mokgware also noted that through collaboration, they could also address issues affecting the industry in a more effective and coordinated manner.

Tourists, he said, visited the country to appreciate the beauty of the heritage resources hence tourism operators should enhance the industry, improve the overall service delivery and also offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience to tourists.

 The minister also motivated operators to put their effort into making the country a tourism centre of choice in SADC.

 “We should come up with best ways on how we can leverage our natural resources, which cannot be found in any country except Botswana,” he said.

On other issues, Maj. Gen. Mokgware expressed a concern that the ministry continued to receive reports of contraventions in many areas where among others, workers continued to be exploited.

In addition, he said there were also a lot of labour laws violations and mis-alignment.

As such, he called for fair labour practices in all sectors, emphasising that employees should be treated fairly.

 “It pains me to hear that locals are not addressed and treated properly by their employers and I will not take it kindly if this kind of behaviour continues.”

He urged fostering of a positive work environment that promoted a culture of respect and inclusivity where employees could feel respected and valued because of their contribution toward the success of the organisations.

“Our main concern is not only on the employer, employee relations but we are also concerned with productivity. The employer’s interest is to have high productivity and they should also be concerned with the employee’s welfare,” he emphasised.

Permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr Jimmy Opelo also said the reports of operators fighting in the tourism industry were disturbing as they could negatively affect the industry.

He said it seemed the issue of promoting citizen participation in the industry had rubbed other operators the wrong way.

“We do not want that kind of business in this country and I can assure you that we are going to take out the bad apples. As the government, we respect people who come here for investment here, employ our people and we grow the economy together as such nothing should hinder their operations,” he added. ENDS