Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Khulekani Mavimbela
Published on 2024-04-03 10:50:55
The Kingdom of Eswatini, along with Angola and Malawi, made history by being among the first nations to sign the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour. This significant agreement was formalized during the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) sector meeting of Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners, held in Lubango, Angola, from March 24th to March 28th, 2024. Led by Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, a Tripartite delegation from Eswatini actively engaged in discussions focusing on reviewing progress since the previous Ministerial meeting and establishing policy and strategic decisions to enhance regional integration in the employment and labour sectors.
A key agenda item of the meeting was the signing and ratification of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour, which was endorsed by SADC Heads of States during the Summit in Congo in August 2023. This Protocol outlines ambitious goals aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the region, with a specific emphasis on promoting inclusive employment, sustainable enterprises, equality, and access to social security. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security commended the swift endorsement of the Protocol by Eswatini, recognizing it as a testament to the King’s dedication to promoting decent work for all emaSwati. Once ratified by two-thirds of SADC Member States, the Protocol will facilitate comprehensive regional cooperation in labour-related matters.
In addition to the Protocol signing, the SADC ELS meeting addressed various other critical issues such as the status of the labour market, labour migration, child labour, and labour dispute resolution. The meeting also acknowledged Eswatini’s outstanding representation in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, particularly highlighting the kingdom’s successful chairing of the Finance Committee during the 111th session of the International Labour Conference.
As Eswatini prepares to hand over the membership responsibility to Malawi in the upcoming ILO Governing Body session, the kingdom remains committed to implementing the resolutions agreed upon during the SADC ELS meeting. Minister Buthelezi engaged in discussions with the Acting Director for the ILO Pretoria Office, Dan Cunniah, to strategize on areas of support for decent work during the biennium 2024-25. Additionally, the Minister visited the TVET Skills Training Centre for Angola (CLESE) to enhance information sharing and collaboration in skills development initiatives.
Established in 2011 under the Ministry of Public Administration, Labour, and Social Security, through the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training, the centre offers customized solutions to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, inspire innovation, and promote growth and prosperity among small and medium enterprises. The commitment of Eswatini to advancing regional integration and improving the quality of life for its citizens is evident through its active participation and endorsement of key protocols and agreements aimed at creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
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