BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE – “The Kingdom of Eswatini is an advocate of universal and lasting peace and social justice.”
These were words shared by Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini during the launch and signing off of the Eswatini Decent Work Country Programme in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) under United Nations (UN). This took place today at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the event sought to endorse the country’s commitment towards promoting the pillars of universal and lasting peace as well as social justice.
According to His Excellency, the event also showcased some of the initiatives that had been implemented by government in an effort to ensure the implementation of international labour standards and improve social justice.
“Since joining the ILO in 1975, the Kingdom of Eswatini has ratified 33 ILO Conventions, including eight out of the ten Core Conventions and two out of the four ILO governance (or priority) Conventions, the rest being technical Conventions,” said the Prime Minister.
He further noted that a majority of the pieces of legislations were already undergoing legislative reforms in an effort to update and align them to the international labour standards that had been adopted by the ILO over the years. His Excellency mentioned that this was also done so as to give effect to the recommendations of the ILO supervisory bodies, in particular the Industrial Relations Act and the Employment Act.
“Government has also reviewed various other legislative instruments which are not labour related, in an effort to comply with recommendations of the ILO’s supervisory bodies which requested the country to align these legislations with ratified international labour standards,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the country had established two social dialogue structures, being the Labour Advisory Board (LAB) and the National Steering Committee on Social Dialogue (NSCSD). This was done to give purpose and effect to the spirit of social dialogue and tri-partism on labour and employment related matters.
“It is indeed pleasing to note that the second generation Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) builds on the progress and lessons learnt from the previous DWCP while also responding to new challenges and opportunities.
“Moreover, the DWCP is structured around two priorities and three outcomes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021–2025 which are, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth as well as accountable governance, justice and human rights,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister finally, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, extended profound gratitude to the ILO Pretoria Office for their continued strong technical support to the country.
“Through the ILO’s technical assistance, Eswatini has, among other things, developed and implemented employment programmes and policies, established a labour administration system and enacted the country’s labour legislation and relevant legal frameworks.
Also in attendance of the event was the ILO Director for the Pretoria Office, Dr Joni Musabayana, who thanked the Labour Advisory Board for the oversight role they played in the development process.
“In particular, I want to thank the Tripartite Drafting Committee which worked tirelessly to develop this Eswatini DWCP 2022 – 2025.
“This signing of the Eswatini DWCP today, signifies Eswatini’s commitment to ensure a labour market at peace and in harmony with itself. Harmony in the labour market is not a given, it has to be worked for. It has to be a deliberate act,” said Musabayana.
The director also noted that the signing is even more important given the important leadership role Eswatini was playing on the ILO Governing Body. The signing confirmed Eswatini’s commitment to the principles of the ILO, a body which was being led by the country.
Finally Musabayana expressed that support would be given to the country with regards to the programme.
“As ILO we take part in this signing as a commitment to support the tripartite partners of Eswatini to implementing the work programme to bring lasting peace and harmony in the labour market in the Kingdom. As ILO we say we are with you and remain available to walk with you on this important journey,” said the director.
According to the ILO website, Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) are the main vehicle for delivery of ILO support to member countries. DWCPs represent a medium-term planning framework that guides the work of the ILO in a country in accordance with priorities and objectives agreed upon with governments, trade unions, and employers.
Courtesy Pics of Eswatini Government.
