14th November 2024
Own Correspondent
The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies (ILES), alongside stakeholders, Botswana’s Federations BFTU and BOFEPUSU, Business Botswana, and Media Houses attended a three-day workshop to sensitize the Media Fraternity on labour market issues in Southern Africa.
The workshop hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the 12 – 14th November 2024 was a follow-up to a media engagement workshop that was hosted by ILES in Gaborone, Botswana on the 12-13th July 2023, in collaboration with ILO.
Tumisang Mothei, Programmes at DUMA FM said “The ILO workshop held in Sandton, Johannesburg was invaluable in deepening our understanding of the structures and frameworks of the International Labour Organizations(ILO), particularly tripartism and its role in fostering social dialogue. It provided media practitioners like myself with access to critical resources to explore issues such as the future of decent work, the dignity of labour and the global movement towards decent work.
He said, “Engaging with regional colleagues from Eswathini, Lesotho and South Africa allowed for a comparative exchange of case studies and best practices that enriched the discussions. These interactions highlighted shared challenges and opportunities in advancing equitable labour standards across Southern Africa.”
Mothei believes that the outcomes of the workshop will enhance capacity of Botswana media to report on and advocate for progressive labour policies, while fostering regional collaboration to address pressing labour market issues in a cohesive and impactful manner.
Delegates in attendance were from across the region, with the main focus being to strengthen the media capacities to report on labour issues effectively and responsibly. Insights and strategies shared by experts will help improve the depth, accuracy, and impact of labour reporting in the region. An action plan for Botswana was devised and strives to promote decent work for all by focusing on five keys areas;
- Strengthening Social Dialogue and Tripartism.
- Media Engagement for Awareness and Advocacy.
- Capacity Building for Labor Representatives and Employers.
- Promoting Youth Employment and Skills Development.
- Monitoring and Reporting on Decent Work Progress.
Kabo Ramasia, Freelance Journalist said, “I believe the ILO workshop came in handy because it really touched on a lot of issues in the complex labour sector in so far as how the media should ensure it cover labour issues to enlighten readership and audiences. As a journalist I have really learnt a lot on the ILO conventions and different statutes governing labour space.”
He said, “Also my interest was in digital space and labour rights. The ILO expressed interest in discussing labour rights in the platform economy.”
Botswana journalists returned from the conference with a strong resolve to creating an inclusive labour market championing decent work for all, fostering sustainable economic growth and social justice.
Kenneth Mosekiemang, Journalist with Weekend Post newspaper said, “I have learnt that the media plays a pivotal role in reporting on labour issues and still a lot can be done in capacitating the members of the media through workshops and training.
He said, “I have also realized that in Botswana most media houses still lack a journalist who specializes in labour reporting issues.”
