Botswana wage rates not slavery – Mokgethi :: Mmegi Online

Even though there are still workers who are forced to sell their labour for a wage that barely covers their basic needs, government maintains that the wages do not amount to modern day slavery.

Wage slavery refers to a person's dependence on wages (or a salary) for their livelihood, especially when wages are low, treatment and conditions are poor, and there are few chances of upward mobility. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Anna Mokgethi emphasised that Botswana rates are not modern day slavery wages as the rates are a consensus of the parties concerned through the Minimum Wage Advisory Board (MWAB).

A minimum wage is the lowest amount a worker can be paid hourly determined by law and paying an individual below the minimum wage is illegal. “The MWAB is a tripartite plus structure comprising employers, workers, government representatives and independent members and exists to advise the minister on adjustment or abolition of minimum wage rates in the various sectors of the economy.

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