CCMA to host regional co-operation meeting with Southern Africa Dispute
Prevention Agencies and Ministries of Labour, 15 – 16 Mar

15 March 2006

Representatives from Dispute Resolution Agencies and Ministries of Labour
throughout the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region converged at
the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices from
15 to 16 March 2006.

This is the second session of the Southern African Regional Co-operation
workshop on dispute resolution prevention and management initially organised by
the CCMA with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Swiss
Project, held in Midrand on 10 and 11 May 2005 where delegates deliberated on
the following:

* Sharing of information on current structuring and functioning of dispute
resolution agencies and Ministries of Labour, which perform that function in
the Southern African region.
* Identifying the key challenges involved.
* Debating the need for enhanced dispute resolution and prevention, linkages
and defining the relationship with the SADC secretariat in that regard and the
modalities thereof.
* Considering a more structured collaboration and the sharing of ideas,
experiences and resources between Southern African dispute resolution agencies
and Ministries of Labour that perform that function.
* Addressing the question of Southern African regional participation at
International Level.

In her opening remarks on the first day of the conference, CCMA Director Ms
Nerine Kahn said, “what is most significant about these workshops is the coming
to pass of ILO’s dream of setting in motion a platform for deliberation on
labour market reformation in the region following a long period of discussions
between the CCMA and ILO”.

The two day workshop will, among others, focus on:

* The adoption of the decision reached by the delegates to set up a regional
forum to co-operate regarding dispute prevention and resolution;
* Practical application of areas of co-operation - sharing of information,
experiences and capacity building;
* changing the focus to dispute prevention; and
* Improving efficiencies and effectiveness regarding dispute prevention and
resolution.

Kahn also said, “Through this platform, Dispute Resolution Agencies and
Ministries of Labour will manage to share their lessons, experiences and
resources for the improvement of the services they render to the public and for
the benefit of the region at large.”

Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168

Lusanda Myoli
Tel: (011) 377 6902
Cell: 072 410 9076
E-mail: lusandam@ccma.org.za

Issued by: Department of Labour
15 March 2006