The National Amalgamated Central, Local & Parastatal Manual Workers’ Union over the weekend held its 43rd annual congress in Tlokweng. Simply styled as the Manual Workers, the union met from December 1-4, 2022 at the Royal Aria Convention Centre.

The gathering was also an elective congress as delegates elected the new executive committee to lead the Manual Workers Union for the next term. It was also the Manual Workers’ Union’s first congress in two years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in 2019.

The Manual Workers’ Union’s 43rd congress was held under the theme “Promoting Decent Employment In The Era Of Constitutional And Labour Legislative Review: Enhancing Social Security Protection.” Speaking at the official opening of the congress held on Friday (December, 2), President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the 43rd congress’ theme resonates well with the aspirations of the government. President Masisi said these aspirations are aimed at the creation of decent jobs with the capability of improving the lives and livelihoods of Batswana.

“The theme reminds some of the lessons learnt by the labour sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. It became evident that there was imperative need for the establishment of a social protection system to cushion the employer and employees in terms of need. It was clear that countries with social protection systems in place were better placed to deal with the effects of the pandemic. In our situation the government had to step in to assist its people to cope with the emergency that was at hand,” Masisi said.

He further said the national social protection programme has been adopted under the National Development Plan. Director of the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), Gaone Manzini Macholo said the ‘employer’ recognises the role the Union has played over the years for the rights of the workers.

“We believe that as employers without you somethings may never have never become reality. So you are true partners in issues relating to workers rights but not only that but on issues that affect our economy and our nation. The government has embarked on the review of all the labour laws. We are aware that our labour laws are old and overtaken by events; it is time to align with the current reality,” she said.

Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa implored the delegates at the congress to have democratic and fair elections.

“I know that the Manual Workers believe in dialogue, dialogue between the government and the workers. So I hope you will use this opportunity to have talks amongst yourselves and the government and be able to choose good leaders,” he said. The Manual Workers Union is one of the oldest and largest trade unions in the country.