*Kanye West MP calls for inclusivity and fair contracts as Parliament debates landmark labor legislation
Kanye West Member of Parliament(MP), Victor Phologolo, has thrown his weight behind the Employment and Labour Relations Bill No.10 of 2025, describing it as a pivotal reform that will transform Botswana’s labor landscape.
Speaking during yesterday’s parliamentary debate, Phologolo praised the bill for its comprehensive approach to employment matters, calling it “a one-stop shop that will become Botswana’s integral part of the international labor movement.”
The MP noted that the bill’s focus on contract regulation would enhance legal clarity and heighten compliance, saying, “It will substantiate existing laws and be a stepping stone to curbing and reducing disputes.”
One of the key provisions of the bill includes the establishment of a Dispute Resolution Commission, which Phologolo said would play a vital role in accelerating post-judgment processes and reducing long waiting periods for beneficiaries. He cited statistics from 2021–2022, when over 1,000 employees lodged complaints with the courts but faced delays due to unfamiliarity with legal processes. “This bill allows employees to appreciate their rights better, and thereby, contract regulation becomes a necessity,” he added.
Phologolo also emphasised the bill’s potential to improve collective bargaining. “Contracts regulation will assist with achieving fair bargaining conditions between employers and workers,” he stated.
Importantly, the MP urged lawmakers to prioritize inclusivity, recommending that the bill be translated into Setswana and Braille to accommodate all citizens, including the visually impaired. “There are some Batswana, involving the blind among others. It is therefore my request that we need to soften and have the bills written in Setswana and even in Braille,” he said.
Minister of Labour and Human Affairs, Pius Mokgware, echoed Phologolo’s sentiments, describing the bill as a “game changer” for Botswana’s workforce. Mokgware said the legislation aims to tackle deep-rooted challenges including child and forced labour, excessive working hours, and unfair dismissal, thereby aligning the country’s labour framework with international standards.
The Employment and Labour Relations Bill No.10 of 2025 continues to spark robust discussions in Parliament, with stakeholders largely welcoming it as a significant step toward more equitable and transparent labour relations in Botswana.
