South Africa’s labour market trump card social dialogue is to be placed on the international stage when Labour Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana, addresses the all-important G-20 Summit of his counterparts in Washington D C early next week.
This follows a speech he delivered to African Employers’ Conference in Rosebank, Johannesburg, last week. Speaking at the event at which he represented President Jacob Zuma, Mdladlana, said, “If there is one thing I wish to take to the G-20 Labour Ministers’ meeting is the importance of social dialogue.”
South Africa has been hailed as a paragon of tripartism with National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) being repeatedly praised by eminent persons, among them Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Lamy described NEDLAC as “an example to be followed by everyone where labour, business, government and the community jointly map out the country’s future around socio-economic issues.”
During a visit to South Africa a few years ago, Juan Somavia, International Labour Organisaton (ILO) Director-General, said NEDLAC was a “trend setter to be emulated by the rest of the world in ensuring social dialogue both in theory and in practice.”
Various prominent African Union emissaries have also heaped praise on the body as a beacon of hope for labour market peace and a shining example to the rest of the continent.
Mdladlana is also expected to demonstrate the link between social dialogue, productivity, economic growth and therefore sustainable employment creation as the world is recovering from the economic meltdown.
Enquiries:
Mzobanzi Jikazana
Cell: 083 641 2355
Issued by: Department of Labour
14 April 2010
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za/)
