09 Jun 2026

The Botswana Public Private and Parastatal Workers Union and the management of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project on Friday signed the Collective Labour Agreement, which strives to create constructive labour relationships and improve workplace harmony.

The agreement is set to define working conditions for over 900 employees at the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project and over 150 employees who have already subscribed to the union.

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware encouraged both Citrus project employees and management to internalise the Collective Labour Agreement so as to create a conducive working environment in which grievances could be addressed amicably and legally.

As such, he urged them to adhere to labour laws to promote harmony and peacefully resolve workplace disputes.

He highlighted the importance of workers’ rights and responsibilities and employers’ obligations, to prevent unnecessary workplace conflicts.

He encouraged a culture of open communication to enhance industrial relations and foster collaboration among all stakeholders, saying it was essential to boost overall productivity, ensure workplace stability, and achieve sustainable development in a work environment.

Also, he acknowledged previous allegations made by some employees against the Citrus Project management and assured that the matters were appropriately addressed through the relevant channels.

Chief Executive Officer of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project, Dr Pieter Scholtz, expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all employees involved in the Citrus project.

He acknowledged the importance of fostering positive and collaborative relationships with all relevant stakeholders and believes that such cooperation is essential for the project’s long-term success and sustainability.

He reiterated his commitment to open communication and teamwork.

For his part, Industrial Relations Manager at Citrus Project, Mr Malvin Ndlovu, said the signing of the Collective Labour Agreement was the culmination of extensive consultations, negotiations and engagements between the management and the union.

The agreement, he said, demonstrated that when the two parties approached negotiations with goodwill, patience, and commitment to finding a common ground, positive outcomes could be achieved. He further said the success of the agreement lied on its implementation, as it would strengthen relationships, improve the welfare of employees, and support the success of the project that contributed to the broader development of the country.

Botswana Public Private and Parastatal Workers Union president, Mr Donald Mogwe, reiterated the role of labour unions in the workplace, saying they should not be perceived as entities that made employees difficult.

He said their primary objective was to cultivate positive and constructive working relationships among all parties involved, in order to enhance the overall workplace productivity, leading to the retention of job opportunities. ENDS