The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Retired Major General Pius Mokgware, has tabled a motion in Parliament aimed at overhauling Botswana’s public occupational health care system.
The proposed motion, dubbed the Botswana Occupational Safety and Health Policy, seeks to align Botswana’s workforce with international standards by ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
Presenting the motion on Wednesday this week, Mokgware described the policy as a cornerstone for a productive and competitive labour force. He emphasised that the right to a healthy working environment must be treated as a fundamental workplace principle.
“The policy supports the right to a healthy working environment that is respected by all. It is a system of rights and must be given the highest priority,” said Mokgware. “It complements international efforts to prevent workplace hazards and is crucial for enhancing national productivity and socio-economic growth.”
The minister stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to occupational health, noting that many of the country’s existing laws are fragmented and have left workplaces exposed to risks. The new policy, he said, will provide a structured and proactive framework to improve workplace safety, particularly in emerging industries essential to economic transition.
“We must ensure that all employees work in a safe and healthy environment. It is imperative that we take decisive steps to reverse the negative impact that unsafe workplaces have had on our national output. An inviting workplace is key to high productivity,” he said.
Mokgware further noted that the policy will help reduce worker vulnerability, minimise hazards, and provide preventative rather than reactive measures. He said the move marks a significant step towards protecting workers’ welfare while driving economic transformation.
“We have been operating under fragmented legislation, which has proven limiting. This policy addresses those gaps and introduces a forward-looking framework to boost workforce participation and national productivity,” he added.
The motion is expected to garner broad support across Parliament as Botswana moves toward modernising its labour and health protection frameworks in line with international best practices.
