ILES collaborates with the ILO on a dialogue with media on labour-market issues

The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies (ILES), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted a two-day think-tank dialogue with the media from 12–13 July 2023 in Gaborone at the ILES College campus, African Mall.

The colloquium — termed a dialogue with media on labour-market issues and the world of work — was officiated by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Boineelo Lobelo, and the ILO’s International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist, Amanda Mejía Cañadas.

The dialogue brought together major stakeholders from media organisations such as the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana, the Editors’ Forum, and journalists from print, television, radio and online houses. Other delegates included stakeholders from the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU), the Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), the Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).

ILES CEO Shandukani Hlabano highlighted that the dialogue came at an opportune time as the institution built up to the 2nd Annual Labour Conference, expected to convene a network of more than 300 local and international delegates who are essential stakeholders and experts on a just transition and decent-work agenda. He noted that the media is one of the major stakeholders in the dissemination of information on labour issues, and that the dialogue was a two-way engagement to also gather media feedback.

For his part, MISA Chairperson Thomas Nkhoma said the training of media practitioners on labour issues is very important because they are the voice of workers and employees alike. He encouraged journalists and media houses to take advantage of training opportunities to keep abreast of developments in the ever-changing socio-economic environment.

The 2nd Annual Labour Conference was held under the theme "A Just Transition and Decent Work: Inclusive Job Creation Approaches and Effective Labour Market Protection Systems" at the Travelodge Conference Centre in Gaborone on 14–15 September 2023.