The Mohale’s Hoek Labour Office and Ntlafatso Skills Training Centre (NSTC) staff have been urged to efficiently perform duties entrusted to them in order for the economy to improve.

Addressing the staff during a familiarization visit to the district on Monday, the Minister of Employment and Labour said it is through good labour practices that the country’s economy could improve and poverty be reduced.

Mr. Moses Masemene said his ministry is mandated to ensure welfare for workers and to respond to labour and employment related concerns and needs, and therefore urged for good and timely service delivery.

He warned the staff against hatred, corruption, theft and misuse of government properties, which he said impact negatively on the economy.

The Assistant Minister, Mrs. ‘Matanki Mokhabi commended NSTC staff for their efforts to improve people’s talents and prepare them to earn better living. She urged them to keep track of their trainees and see how they are progressing with skills they acquired.

The Occupational Safety and Health Officer in South region also acting as the District Labour Officer, appealed that they should be provided with security officer, transport, office furniture, office space and telephone extensions.

This, Mr. Thabiso Polaki said would enable staff to do their daily work as expected.

The Training Manager of NSTC said they are in the process of reviewing the curriculum to see whether it could be improved. Mr. Chaka Lekhoro complained about the centralized procurement system, whereby requisitions to purchase equipment are made in Maseru.

Established in October 1990 under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, NSTC provides skills oriented training for the unskilled, unemployed, school leavers, disadvantaged youth and retrenched migrant workers.

It offers courses on motor mechanics, sewing, carpentry, cooking, catering, brick laying, plastering, panel beating and plumbing.

The senior management team of the Ministry of Labour and Employment accompanied the Minister during the tour that covered districts of Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing.

SOURCE: LENA 03/09/2007