20th June 2024
Sello Motseta
The importance of social dialogue cannot be overstated stressed officials, on the first day of the 3rd Institute for Labour and Employment Studies(ILES) Annual Labour Conference at Boipuso Hall, at Fairgrounds in Gaborone because it allowed conflicting parties to deliberate on issues of national importance, in an effort to harmonise a commitment to sustainable and dignified employment whilst harnessing the advantages of technology.
“Our task, as stewards of justice and equity in labour relations, is to navigate this terrain ensuring that the benefits of innovation are inclusive and the dignity of labor remains paramount. Technology, often feared for its potential to displace jobs, paradoxically holds the key to unlocking new avenues of employment,” said Diratsagae Molomo, Industrial Court Judge President.
He said, “The key lies in our ability to harness these tools to enhance productivity, create new industries, and elevate the skills of our workforce. As we embrace automation, we must concurrently invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives that equip our labor force with the competencies needed for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Molomo insisted that the concept of a job-rich economy transcends numerical metrics of employment. It embodies the principle of decent work—work that is not only remunerative but also secure, safe, and fulfilling.
“Technology, when deployed responsibly, can contribute to safer working conditions, more flexible work arrangements, and greater work-life balance. However, these aspirations cannot be achieved through technology alone,” said Molomo.
He said, “They necessitate robust social dialogue and collaboration among 3 stakeholders—government, employers, workers, and civil society.”
Officials said the conference should not merely be a gathering of minds but a platform for actionable ideas and transformative change.
Through this conference and a carefully selected line of keynote speakers, ILES seeks to harness the collective intelligence, experience and guidance of stakeholders in the exploration of the labour market disruptions occasioned by emerging technologies, digitization and artificial intelligence.
The conference presents an opportune moment for the “Tripartite Social Dialogue Plus” partners to gain a common understanding of the issues and opportunities, and chart what the collective would consider a reasonable modus operandi enroute the creation of the envisaged ‘job rich economy’.
“It revolves around how we could collectively leverage technology in our endeavor to turn Botswana into an economy that is marked by a vast array of decent and sustainable job opportunities,” said Dr Daniel Tau, Chairperson of the Board of ILES.
He said, “With unemployment already a burning issue within our shores, it goes without saying that as we embrace the ongoing technological advancements and their influence on dynamics in the world of work, our overarching goal should be to accelerate the creation of decent and sustainable jobs.”
The ILES Conference comes soon after the International Labour Conference (ILC). It is also interesting to note that some of the presenters in this conference attended the just ended ILC. ILES is BOPEU’s contribution to the Education and Training of the workforce in this country.
“We will discuss the challenges facing our industries, from job insecurity to skills development, from occupational health and safety to social protection. As we start from this conference, we carry with us a renewed sense of purpose and optimism,” said Masego Mogwera, BOPEU President.
She said, “We know that there is much work ahead of us, but we are confident that together, we can overcome any obstacle. Most importantly, I must acknowledge and appreciate that ILES has embraced the idea of internationalism. The impact of this forum must not only be felt locally and regionally.”
