BONELA worried about Siele comments

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday March 4, 2010 00:00

BONELA says enactment of such a law is in line with international trends that recognise that HIV/AIDS in the workplace has become a common cause.

BONELA is also worried by comments made by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Peter Siele, who was responding to a question posed by Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central Dumelang Saleshando in Parliament on Monday.

Media and advocacy officer, Doris Kumbawa says revelations made by the minister suggest that the enactment of such a law might never see the light of day.  'The honourable Minister was asked what had delayed the introduction of policy on HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

Regrettably, Minister Siele told Parliament that the draft policy on HIV/AIDS and employment was considered by cabinet in June 2006 and was referred back to the ministry for refinement', Kumbawa said. She added that the Minister's words do not pay attention to the urgency of the matter and suggest that the policy has become obsolete even before its enactment.

BONELA Director Uyapo Ndadi said the policy would only raise the hopes of people.  'But it will not be able to offer them any solution when the situation arises as it is not legally binding.'

This is according to a 2002 judgement by the Industrial Court of Appeal. He appealed to government to be conscious to the plight of people left at the mercy of cruel employers.