Gov’t stalls on P4,000 minimum wage pledge
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday August 13, 2025 08:53
The proposed law, aimed at uplifting low-income earners, remains under discussion as authorities say they are still reviewing the national minimum wage framework. However, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing Botswana’s minimum wage from the current P1,500 to P4,000, though it says the adjustment will be implemented gradually to protect jobs and businesses.
The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware revealed this when responding to a question that was asked by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgatleng East Mabuse Pule who had wanted to know when the minimum wage will increase to P4,000 as promised by the current government and to provide a clear plan with assurances that the increase will be sustainable.
Pule also wanted the minister to explain how the planned increase will impact small and medium businesses, to describe any support or incentives the government will offer to help businesses sustain these wage increases without resorting to wage cuts. Moreover, the legislator had wanted the ministry to confirm whether the government is committed to regular reviews of the minimum wage in response to changing economic conditions, ensuring it remains true to the living wage over time. He had also questioned the ministry to indicate how the government plans to address regional disparities in the cost of living, particularly in rural or less developed areas.
Responding to his questions, Mokgware revealed that the ministry is in the process of constituting the Minimum Wage Advisory Board, which will play a significant role in advising the minister on the adjustment or revocation of the Minimum Wages Order.
“Once the board is in place, the work towards a radical transformation of the minimum wages, the order will resume. We consider the current minimum wage very low and does not meet workers’ basic needs. We are committed to delivering on our promises to increase the minimum wage to P4,000. At the moment, the ministry is not in a position to commit to a clear plan on the adjustment of the minimum wage,” he said.
Mokgware said the ministry has engaged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to undertake a comprehensive review of the minimum wage system in the country. The study, which has now been completed, aims to create a balanced system that benefits both employers and workers.
A preliminary report has been shared with the ministry, which is now consulting social partners and key stakeholders to finalise recommendations. The minister emphasised that whilst the government remains committed to raising the minimum wage to P4,000, the change will be implemented progressively to avoid negative consequences for employers and the economy.
“We appreciate that it would be difficult to move immediately to the highest threshold. Businesses should be supported to avoid wage cuts, retrenchments, and the adjustment will take into account employers’ capacity to pay,” Mokgware said.
He further noted that regular reviews of the minimum wage will be undertaken to respond to inflation and changing economic conditions, with annual adjustments planned to protect workers’ livelihoods.
Beyond minimum wage reforms, the minister said the proposed Employment and Labour Relations Bill will establish Joint Industrial Councils at national and regional levels to negotiate wages, working conditions, and dispute resolutions.
“The role of the minimum wage is to set a statutory wage floor to protect workers from exploitation, but collective bargaining should determine wage structures for different occupations, regions, and sectors,” he added.
Commenting, Maun East MP, Goretetse Kekgonegile expressed a concern that the private sector does not have a bargaining council and some companies appear not to be willing to pay the proposed P4,000 minimum wage.
“How are you going to address this matter, because the majority of people in the private sector are eagerly waiting and remain hopeful that the government will assist them and be able to benefit from this increment? When you approach this matter, please do not leave the private sector behind,” pleads Kekgonegile.