The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Maj. Gen. Pius Mokgware, has urged stakeholders to fast-track the implementation of signed conventions and enhance the documentation of child labour cases as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate this pressing issue. Speaking at a workshop in Gaborone yesterday, Minister Mokgware emphasized the importance of moving beyond simply gathering statistics for funding purposes, advocating for a more outcome-focused approach to addressing child labour in Botswana.
Child labour remains a significant concern worldwide, with devastating consequences for children’s development, health, and future opportunities. Botswana is no exception, with laws in place designed to protect the rights of children while allowing for certain exceptions under specific circumstances. According to the Children’s Act of 2009, any person under the age of 18 is classified as a child. However, the Employment Act presents an exception, permitting children as young as 14 years old to engage in work, provided that they are not attending school and that the work is classified as “light” and safe. These provisions, however, apply only when the work is done for the family or with the consent of the Labour Commissioner.
Minister Mokgware’s call for urgent action highlights the need to address the gap between existing legal frameworks and practical efforts to eliminate child labour. While the legislation aims to protect children, gaps remain in enforcement and documentation, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the issue. By improving documentation, it becomes easier to track progress, identify challenges, and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect children from exploitation.
The workshop, which brought together key stakeholders, served as a platform to discuss strategies for accelerating the implementation of signed conventions, such as the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment and Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour. These global standards aim to eradicate child labour and protect the rights of children, providing a comprehensive framework for action.
The Minister’s statement underscores the importance of collective efforts in eliminating child labour. Stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, must work together to ensure that Botswana’s commitment to the protection of children is translated into concrete actions that yield real results.
Moving forward, it will be critical for Botswana to strengthen its commitment to addressing child labour, not only through legislative frameworks but also through proactive enforcement, awareness campaigns, and better documentation practices. Only by working together can the nation hope to create a future free from child labour, where children can grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
