Africa-Press – Botswana. The importance of occupational health and safety took center stage at the Botswana Safety, Health, and Environment Conference 2025, where leaders emphasised the role of experts and proactive policies in safeguarding workers and boosting the economy.
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, underscored the significance of having occupational health and safety professionals lead the charge.
“Failure to do so would undermine the performance of our economy through the loss of able and active personnel,” he stated during his keynote address.
Talking about the responsibilities of employers and contractors, Minister Mokgware called for effective planning and budgeting for unforeseen workplace incidents. “Employers need to allocate resources for annual sick-offs and potential accidents, and they must be prepared to address these incidents immediately,” he advised.
He also emphasised the importance of health screenings for non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, including HIV and opportunistic infections, noting that such health issues were increasingly impacting organisations.
“Diseases like diabetes are taking a toll on our workforce and economy. Investing in employee health is an investment in our country’s growth,” he added.
The minister stressed that leadership within industries must adopt a considerate approach to worker health and welfare.
“Leadership should be empathetic and avoid accusing employees of malingering. Health measures should be the primary concern,” he argued.
He further urged policymakers to develop comprehensive policies that reflect the evolving rights of workers and ensure laws prioritise health and safety protections.
“Quality leadership must be grounded in empathy, laws should guard the well-being of our workers,” Minister Mokgware said.
Consultant and Director of Double Safety Solutions, Ms Lebogang Karabo highlighted advancements in workplace safety through innovative strategies, regulatory frameworks, and technology integration. She pointed out that resilience among Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) officers has improved standards significantly.
Ms Karabo stressed that mental health, inclusivity, youth engagement, and sustainability were focal points for SHE leadership.
She articulated the conference’s role in supporting Botswana’s Vision 2036, linking SHE initiatives to sustainable economic development, human and social development, and environmental stewardship. “Our goal is to empower SHE leaders to become catalysts for economic growth, not just compliant watchdogs,” she concluded.
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