Immigration should not be regarded as negative
The Southern African region has a long history of intra-regional migration, and all Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) participate in labour migration flows as either country of origin, transit, or destination. In the SADC region, migrant workers are mostly found in agriculture, fishing, mining, construction, food processing, domestic work, caregiving and other informal sectors.
During his opening remarks at the Gauteng Labour Migration Dialogue in the Vaal, Tshepo Mokomatsidi, the Chief Director: Provincial Operations, stated that "Even though international migration has been largely linked to job searching, better wages, and a safe living environment and in some instances, employment may not be the initial primary driver for cross-border movement, but it significantly features as an important determinant in the migration process".
The Gauteng Migration Dialogue took place on 28 February 2024 in Vereeniging. The purpose of this gathering was to discuss the Draft National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP).
Mokomatsidi told the audience that it is imperative to note that the government is in charge of ensuring a positive impact of labour migration on economic growth and development, the protection and respect for labour rights of all workers and the respect for working conditions which are well stipulated in the Basic Condition of Employment Act (BCEA). He further stressed that the government's responsibility and role is to ensure that there is policy alignment between labour migration, employment and education/training policies that are related to existing unemployment, underemployment, jobs and skills mismatch. “There is a great concern in labour surplus or skills shortages in certain economic sectors and occupation in the country, and indeed government needs to find a balance in dealing with these disproportions".
To address these imbalances, the Department of Employment and Labour in consultation with other key stakeholders initiated the process of developing a Draft NLMP as per the instruction from the Ministers of Employment and Labour in the SADC Region.
Esther Tloane, the Chief Director: of Public Employment Services, presented the Employment Services Amendment Bill. She informed the audience that the NLMP resulted from a series of consultations between various levels of government, social partners, and SADC Regions. The Social Affairs Resolution to ensure the harmonization of migration policies within the Sub-region dates back to 2015.
"When it comes to hiring foreign workers, employers and the government must strike a balance. As important as it is to employ foreign nationals, we must strike a balance and listen to what South Africans have to say, particularly in these times of high unemployment. We need to put South Africans' interests first. Equally important is the protection of immigrants and their families in this country, whether regular or irregular", said Tloane.
Tloane proceeded on to say that South Africa is not operating in a vacuum, but rather within SADC and the AU, and that it is therefore critical that all parties engage in ongoing bilateral agreements and consultations to find an inclusive solution. She expressed concern about the outdated and irrelevant bilateral agreements that are currently in place, particularly given the country's current economic situation.
The Dialogue was attended by representatives from the other government departments, Traditional Leaders in the Vaal area, Sedibeng District Municipality, the South African Police Service, Organized Labour, Organized Business, the Community and Religious Sectors.
For media inquiries, kindly contact
Sekhothali Lekalakala
Provincial communication Officer
Cell: 082 904 5226
E-mail: Sekhothali.Lekalakala@labour.gov.za
