M Mdladlana appointed ILO Governing Body Chairperson

12 June 2006

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) today, Monday, unanimously
elected Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana as its new Governing Body
Chairperson.

The Minister takes over from his Argentinean counterpart, Carlos Tomada, who
led the organisation from June last year until now.

In his acceptance speech the Minister said, “The biggest challenge in the
labour market remains the creation of a working environment that ensures that
all employees work in condition of decency and dignity. Unemployment and
poverty are the biggest threat to peace and security.”

“This appointment highlights the role President Thabo Mbeki is playing in
the world which then translates in recognition for the country. I am humbled by
the honour bestowed on me and will do my level best to carry out the mandate.
Unfortunately this position adds more responsibilities on my shoulders which
mean that it’s not going to be a honeymoon.”

He said challenges he was facing included “issues of forced labour in
Myanmar, the plight of the Palestinian workers in occupied Arab territories and
employment relations in various countries.”

Minister Mdladlana said in South Africa the challenges centred on
identifying scarce skills and halving unemployment by 2014.

“These form part of the development of the decent work agenda of the
ILO.”

His duties include leading the ILO on major global forums along with the
Director-General, Mr Juan Somavia. The forums at which Minister Mdladlana will
be expected to participate and lead a high-powered ILO delegation will include
meetings on decent work at the United Nations General Assembly and any other
meeting decided by the governing body.

According to the ILO Senior Official, Steve Marshall, “This is a big
responsibility. We hope to allow him do what’s required for ILO without
impacting on his other life as minister.”

He will also be expected to chair ILO governing body meetings in November
and March and June, where issues such as finance and administration of the
organisation are looked at.

Equally important for the Minister is to ensure that resolutions reached at
this year’s 95th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva are
implemented.
Vic van Vuuren, Business Unity South Africa’s Chief Operations Officer said;
“The appointment is a great honour for our country and in particular the
Minister. It reflects positively not only on the individual but on South Africa
being able to provide leadership at international level. As employers, we look
forward to supporting the minister during his tenure and have no doubt that he
will fulfil a successful term of office.”

Joseph Maqhekeni, National Council of Trade Unions’ President said, “We are
very happy that the Minister has been identified as a candidate for this
position. It shows that the world is looking upon us for direction, leadership
and way in which we do things. As National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu) we
support the Minister and know that he has the capacity and ability to provide
leadership.”

“As Africa, this is an opportunity for the Minister to showcase his skills
to the world. We will continue to support the minister at the ILO and other
international forums. We urge other social partners to do likewise.”
Dennis George, Federation of Unions of South Africa’s General-Secretary said,
“South Africa has always played a leading role on the international arena and
we welcome the opportunity given to the minister to lead the ILO for the year
2006/07. We trust that the appointment will advance and promote the decent work
agenda not only in the ILO but also in the programme framework of the UN
system.”

Even ahead of his appointment the Minister was the toast of the ILO with
several countries holding bilateral meetings with him. These included the
Republic of China, Algeria and Zimbabwe.

His schedule also includes holding meetings with the African Regional Labour
Administration Council (ARLAC) as well as Southern African Development
Community Ministers.

This catalogue of meetings leaves no doubt about South Africa’s importance
in the field of nations. The appointment sends a clear and loud message that
South Africa has indeed become the new kid on the block whose presence cannot
be ignored.

Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 808 2168

Issued by: Department of Labour
12 June 2006