Kenewendo reaffirms good working relations with mine workers' union
The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, has reaffirmed Government's commitment to working in partnership with the Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU).
This commitment follows a constructive engagement with the Union's leadership at the Ministry Headquarters on Wednesday this week. The meeting formed part of the Ministry's ongoing engagement with stakeholders across Botswana's mining industry and focused on matters affecting mine workers, including workplace safety, conditions of service, operational challenges and mechanisms for strengthening dialogue between Government, employers and organised labour movements.
The Minister reiterated that the prosperity of Botswana's mining sector must be built on the wellbeing, dignity and safety of the people who work in it.
'Our mining industry is only as strong as the people who power it every day. As Government, we are committed to ensuring that workers' welfare, safety and fair labour practices remain central to the future of Botswana's mining sector', said Minister Kenewendo.
The Minister welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the Union and reaffirmed that constructive dialogue remains the most effective way of addressing challenges facing the sector.
As part of the Ministry's continued efforts to strengthen mine health and safety governance, the Minister is advancing the appointment of the Mines, Quarries and Works Safety Committee in accordance with the law.
The Committee will provide an important platform through which organised labour, employers and other stakeholders will collectively advise the Minister on matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of mine workers. The Ministry also reaffirmed Botswana's robust mine safety oversight framework, which includes independent and unannounced inspections of mining operations, recognised union participation in accident inquiries and continued implementation of the provisions of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 176 on Safety and Health in Mines.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss broader labour issues affecting the sector, including ongoing conversations around a dedicated Bargaining Council for the mining industry and the continued need to improve conditions of service across mining operations. The Ministry remains committed to working collaboratively with organised labour, mining companies and all stakeholders to build a mining industry that is safe, productive, competitive and delivers lasting benefits for the people of Botswana, said Kenewendo.
The minister pointed out that the engagement reflects Government's belief that meaningful progress is achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing both the mining industry and the welfare of those who sustain it.