09/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐- ๐๐๐๐
Today, BOPEU joined workersโ representatives, members of the media, and other social partners at the official launch of the 5th Annual Labour Conference 2026, hosted by the Institute of Labour and Employment Studies (ILES) under the theme โ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.โ
The launch presented the conference programme, key thematic areas, strategic partnerships, and expected participation, setting the stage for a national platform on labour and employment dialogue.
ILES CEO, Mr. Shandukani Hlabano, outlined the conference objectives, noting that it will bring together Government, business, workers, labour practitioners, and academia to engage on key issues shaping the world of work.
Central to the discussions is translating labour law reforms into practical workplace outcomes, with focus on strengthening industrial relations, dispute resolution, social dialogue, and harmonious labour relations.
The conference will also examine the implementation of Botswanaโs new Employment and Labour Act in advancing fair and sustainable labour practices aligned with international standards.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr. Manewe confirmed the Ministryโs commitment to the Annual labour conference, noting that Government has been a key partner since the conference's inception. He highlighted that the recently enacted Employment and Labour Act, passed in November 2025, is aligned with international labour standards and is expected to strengthen labour relations, promote industrial harmony, and improve dispute resolution mechanisms once implementation regulations are finalized.
Representing BOFEPUSU Keaoleboga Dipogiso reflected on the journey of labour reforms in Botswana, tracing developments from the aftermath of the 2011 public sector strike. He noted that recommendations made through engagements with the International Labour Organization (ILO) contributed significantly to the labour law reforms currently being implemented, including the establishment of structures that strengthen social dialogue and labour dispute management.
The launch also provided an overview of the upcoming conference programme, expected participation, strategic partnerships and thematic discussions that will focus on translating legislative reforms into tangible workplace outcomes.
Delivering the closing remarks, BOPEU 1st Deputy President, Cde Nzhi Moalosi, emphasized that turning law into practice requires collective commitment from all stakeholders. He noted that Government, employers, trade unions and social partners each have a critical role to play in ensuring that labour laws move beyond policy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of workers and employers alike. He further called for continued collaboration, stronger partnerships and sustained engagement in advancing fair, equitable and productive labour relations in Botswana.
The official Annual Conference will be held from the 30th-31st July 2026.
