By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini, alongside Angola and Malawi, emerged as one of the pioneering nations to sign the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour.
The signing took place 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 participated in the discussions aimed at taking stock of progress made since the last Ministerial meeting and charting policy and strategic decisions to advance regional integration in employment and labour sectors.
ALSO READ: Financial inclusion takes centre stage…
A focal point of the meeting’s agenda was the signing and ratification of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour, which was approved by SADC Heads of States during the Summit held in Congo in August 2023.
The Protocol sets forth ambitious objectives aimed at improving the standard of living for citizens across the region, with a particular emphasis on promoting inclusive employment, sustainable enterprises, equality, and access to social security.
Commending the decisive action taken by their Majesties, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security hailed Eswatini’s swift endorsement of the Protocol, viewing it as a testament to the King’s commitment to fostering decent work for all emaSwati.
The Protocol, upon ratification by two-thirds of SADC Member States, will pave the way for comprehensive regional cooperation in labour-related matters.
Apart from the Protocol signing, the SADC ELS meeting delved into various other pertinent issues including the status of the labour market, labour migration, child labour, and labour dispute resolution.
Additionally, the meeting acknowledged Eswatini’s exemplary representation in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, particularly noting the kingdom’s successful chairing of the Finance Committee during the 111th session of the International Labour Conference.
ALSO READ: SADC Member States step up…
As Eswatini prepares to pass the titular membership baton to Malawi in the upcoming ILO Governing Body session, the kingdom remains dedicated to implementing the resolutions agreed upon during the SADC ELS meeting.
Moreover, Minister Buthelezi held 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 foster information sharing and collaboration in skills development initiatives.
Established in 2011 under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security, through the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training, the centre provides tailor-made solutions to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and inspire innovation, growth, and prosperity among small and medium enterprises.
