The Minister said it was expected that there will be differences during discussions but urged that these should not unnecessarily defeat their sense of purpose and objective. Their maturity, professionalism and quality of their social dialogue would be put to test by this exercise.

The Ministry of Employment and Labour is still faced with the challenges of how to extend its social dialogue and consultation beyond their traditional tripartite structures. Issues of labour are developmental in character and affect other role players in development, she said.

Participants at the review at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre, felt that revisiting the Labour Code somehow would help in the improvement of workers' rights as well as the country's economic growth. The code has been in operation for the last 10 years and the revision is meant to find out if it needs any amendment.

17 March 2005