29 Apr 2024

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Anna Mokgethi is expected to join workers and labour movements to commemorate International Workers’ Day slated for Tsabong tomorrow.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) deputy secretary general Mr Mpho Keatshaba said the day, commemorated on May 1 every year, was a remembrance of historic struggles and gains made by workers across all sectors of the economy and labour movements observed it internationally.

He said in 1889 an international federation of socialist groups and trade unions designated May 1 as a day in support of workers, adding that in Botswana the event was held annually and this year’s commemoration was  organised by BFTU in collaboration with Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU).

The event will be held at an open space at Tsabong Primary School grounds.

Mr Keatshaba said the event will kick-start with a walk at 6am and was expected to be graced by dignitaries, local authorities and workers.

He said across the world, International Workers Day commonly referred to as May Day was recognised as a public holiday, and an occasion for demonstrations in support of every worker including those working in the informal sector, thus he encouraged all stakeholders to partake in the commemorations.

The day, he said would be commemorated under the theme: Decent Jobs for Just Transition, and International Labor Organisation, regional coordinator, national just transition project coordinator Ms Oneetse Makhumalo would address key issues on the theme followed by solidarity messages.

Mr Keatshaba said May Day celebrations were focused on workers unity towards social and economic prosperity.

The build up activities towards the main event, he said, started on Sunday with football games.

Another activity was a  beauty pageant to be held this evening at Tsabong Unified Senior Secondary School where entrance fee of P20 would be channeled towards charity as part of giving back to the community. Ends