26 Mar 2026

Minister for State President, Defence and Security Mr Moeti Mohwasa has told Parliament that government has not recruited any safety, health and environment graduates since the onset of COVID-19 era.

Mr Mohwasa said this when answering a question in Parliament on Wednesday, stating that such positions were limited to only 18 ministries, with each having one designated officer responsible for coordinating safety, health and environment activities.

The minister said the on-line Botswana market labour observatory system remained operational and was being utilised by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to absorb graduates in accordance with Directive No. 6 of 2020 which mandated the use of the system under the supervision of the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM).

“Following the passing of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy in the last seating of Parliament, the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs has commenced the implementation policy, with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety monitoring the process,” he said.

Tati East MP, Mr Tlhabologo Furniture, had wanted to know the number of SHE officers who had been absorbed permanently by government entities since COVID-19 era.

Mr Furniture also wanted to know the recruitment process that was used since the online labour recruitment system was not operational and when the Occupational Health and Safety Policy which was passed in the last seating of Parliament will be implemented and who monitored its implementation.  BOPA