Africa-Press – Botswana. More MPs have expressed support for the Employment and Labour Relations Bill 2025 presented by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware.
Debating the Bill on Thursday, MP for Francistown East, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima welcomed the proposed reforms and highlighted the inclusion of provisions such as paternal leave.
He noted that the progressive move was in line with global labour practices and would promote family welfare and gender equality in the workplace.
“Bringing our laws in line with international standards is long overdue. Paternal leave is a welcome development that recognises the role of fathers in raising children,” he said.
MP Jeremiah Frenzel for Shashe West also expressed strong support for the bill, raising serious concerns about child labour in rural communities.
He said children under the age of 15 were often seen working alongside their parents in cattle posts and fields, performing physically demanding tasks.
“Not only are these children working, but they are doing hard manual labour, they deserve to be protected by the law,” MP Frenzel stated.
He further recommended mandatory DNA testing to ensure that every child knows their biological parents, arguing that such knowledge was essential for legal, social, and emotional well-being.
Meanwhile, MP Phillimon Aaron of Ngami highlighted the plight of temporary teachers, most of whom were engaged on short term contracts.
“These educators are living in uncertainty, unable to plan their lives or take on significant responsibilities like building a home or starting a family,” he said.
He called for permanent employment opportunities for temporary teachers to ensure stability and fair treatment.
The Bill has been widely lauded by MPs as a necessary reform to ensure decent work, dignity, and protection for all workers in Botswana.
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