Organisation (ILO) talks ahead of conference
9 March 2007
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana left South Africa this week to chair a
taxing ILO Governing Body meeting in Geneva.
The meeting which starts on 8 March will end on 30 March, with a series of
reports to be scrutinised by the Minister and his team.
The agenda includes the review of annual reports focusing on the ILO
declaration on the fundamental principles and rights at work, developments at
the United Nations (UN) reports of the committee on freedom of association as
well as reports of the programme from the financial and administrative
committees.
The session takes place ahead of the forthcoming 96th gathering of the
International Labour Conference in Geneva from 30 May to 15 June.
In chairing the governing body meeting, Minister Mdladlana carries out his
commitment to help ensure that "workers' rights are human rights."
In his acceptance speech after assuming the chairmanship of the ILO
Governing Body, Minister Mdladlana said, "The biggest challenge in the labour
market remains the creation of a working environment that ensures that all
employees work in conditions 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,"
said the Minister.
His duties include leading the ILO on major global forums along with the
Director-General, Mr Juan Somavia. The forums at which Minister Mdladlana
participates and leads high powered ILO delegations include meetings on decent
work at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and any other meeting
decided by the governing body.
According to the ILO senior official, Steve Marshall, "His is a big
responsibility. We hope to allow him do what's required for ILO without
impacting on his other life as minister."
"Since his appointment the Minister has chaired ILO Governing Body meetings
in November. His last meeting as chairperson will be in June when his term of
office ends."
Equally important for the Minister is to ensure that a resolution reached at
last year's 95th sessions of the International Labour Conference in Geneva are
implemented.
His election was welcomed by all key players in the South African labour
market. 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' (NACTU) 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 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 (FEDUSA)
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
People's 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 (SADC) Ministers, a duty he carried out with diligence in February in
Zimbabwe.
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:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
9 March 2007
