the monitor

Johdee faces safety violation, discrimination accusations

BMWU secretary-general Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe
BMWU secretary-general Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe

FRANCISTOWN: The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) has accused Johdee Mineral Processing Botswana of grossly mistreating its employees, most of who affiliate with the union.

The grievances from the union are contained in a petition that was read to the company employees before being handed to its managing director Calistus Chijoro on Saturday in Palapye. Johdee is subcontracted to support operations at Morupule Coal Mine and Minergy Coal Mine at Masama.

The union claims that some of the local employees at the company have even alleged that they have been subjected to bullying and racism by expatriate managers.

“There are alarming reports of expatriate managers engaging in bullying and racist behaviour towards local employees. We demand that the company take immediate action to address and eliminate such behaviour to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees,” reads part of a petition that was handed to Johdee by BMWU general secretary Mbinganyi Gaekgotswe.

In the petition, BMWU also accused the company of not adhering to appropriate health and safety regulations within its operations. The union claims that there are no adequate measures in place to protect employees from radiation, noise, vibration, and dust exposure. The absence of these protective measures poses serious health risks to workers and indicates a disregard for their safety and well-being, according to Gaekgotswe when reading the petition to members.

“Employees working in highly dangerous environments, especially in coal mines, are exposed to coal dust, which can lead to severe health issues such as pneumoconiosis (commonly known as Black Lung Disease) and other related respiratory diseases. The inhalation of coal dust over prolonged periods can cause significant damage to the lungs, resulting in chronic health conditions that diminish the quality of life and work capacity of affected employees,” said Gaekgotswe.

To mitigate environmental and safety risks, the union demands that the company engage in the development and implementation of robust health and safety policies and protocols. The policies and protocols demanded by the union include regular and thorough health monitoring of employees, effective dust control measures, and the provision of high-quality personal protective equipment.

Additionally, the union said that it is essential for Johdee to hire highly trained Occupational Health practitioners who can oversee health programmes, conduct regular health screenings, and provide timely interventions to prevent the onset of occupational diseases.

Moreover, BMWU accuses Johdee of failing to establish structured training and development programs for graduates, hindering their professional growth and career progression.

“Graduates are left without the necessary support and mentorship to advance their careers, which is detrimental to both the individuals and the company’s long-term success,” Gaekgotswe said.

The recruitment process at Johdee is also biased, favouring South African nationals over local citizens according to BWMU. In the main, Gaekgotswe said local employees are consistently overlooked for positions they are qualified for, which is both unjust and counterproductive to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“Employees (locals) at Johdee face unfair and unequal treatment and harassment. Such behaviour creates a hostile work environment that negatively impacts morale and productivity. Instances of harassment and favouritism erode trust in the management and diminish the sense of fairness as well as equity that is crucial for a healthy workplace culture,” Gaekgotswe said.

When receiving the petition, Chijoro emphasised that the company acknowledges that the employees have a right to openly air their grievances. He also said that Johdee takes their concerns seriously and will work collaboratively with the union leadership to address them.

Editor's Comment
The people have spoken

In fact, early election results in some areas across the country, speak to large voter turnout which suggests that voters crowded at polling stations to decide appropriately. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed that 80% of the 1,037,684 people who had registered to vote turned up to exercise their right.It’s unfortunate that at the time of cobbling this editorial comment, results had just started trickling in. We recognise that...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up