17 Mar 2025

The Industrial Court had its budget proposal of approximately P88.5 million for the 2025/26 financial year approved by the National Assembly Committee of Supply last week.

Presenting the request, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana explained that the Industrial Court as a court of law and equity was established to settle trade disputes and maintain good Industrial relations in the country.

Mr Ramaotwana said in their quest to expand the reach and accessibility of its services across the country, the Maun Division of the Industrial Court became operational from February 2023, servicing Maun and catchment areas such as Gantsi, Kasane, Gumare and Shakawe.

Also, he said the design for expansion of the Industrial Court building in Gaborone was completed in October 2024 and construction was due to commence upon the signing of the contract.

“Once completed, the project will address shortage of office accommodation in Gaborone. Out of a total project cost of P48 million the project has been allocated P19 million for the year 2025/26. The funds will be used for the construction of two courtrooms, judges' chambers and staff offices,” Mr Ramaotwana said.

He added that with the assistance of SmartBots, a citizen owned company was engaged to develop a Court Management System (CMS) to manage court records and operations digitally.

“In order to migrate files to CMS and go live, as well as operationalise the system, the court needs to procure various hardware. It is hoped that the system will be fully rolled out and operational and in use during the 2026-27 financial year,” Mr Ramaotwana said.

For the 2025/26 Industrial Court budget, Mr Ramaotwana tabled a proposal of approximately P62.5 million for recurrent spending to cover operational costs.

He also proposed a P26 million development budget to be utilised to cover the expansion of the Gaborone Division, fleet expansion and the development of the Maun project as well as the furnishing and installation of the local area network. ENDS