The BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) has been instrumental in tackling labor market obstacles and endorsing decent work in the fast-growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This cooperative platform has spurred significant discussions around crucial matters such as economic recovery, job generation, and skill enhancement. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to renewed commitment from EWG members to collaborate for sustainable development.
In August, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province hosted the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Trade Conference and the BRICS KZN Trade and Investment Seminar. These events involved delegates from various countries, including the BRICS nations, and sought to encourage partnerships and investments in the region’s two Special Economic Zones – the Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone. Over the last five years, these zones have drawn combined investments of over R25 million, and the province eagerly awaits further investments from the BRICS countries.
The global pandemic has left economies struggling, and KwaZulu-Natal is not immune. Job losses have resulted in heightened poverty levels and left numerous workers without a means of sustenance. The most affected sectors include manufacturing, transport, and trade, which have suffered significant contractions and instability.
These harsh economic conditions have placed immense pressure on millions of individuals, especially the working class. In KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 3.5 million people are faced with food insecurity, while over 580,000 households struggle with rising food costs and drought.
The EWG also seeks to tackle the problem of employees burdened by debt. Numerous workers, both in government and the private sector, wrestle with garnishee orders that leave them with little or no salary each month. The group aims to adopt a clear resolution outlining a course of action to rescue the workforce. Siboniso Duma, the leader of government business in KwaZulu-Natal, stresses the necessity for civil servants to be debt-free to enhance productivity and service delivery.
The KwaZulu-Natal government is dedicated to re-skilling its residents to encourage economic revival. Duma has instigated plans for a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss recovery tactics and ways to improve the skills of the province’s workers. The government has forged strong alliances with industry players such as COSATU, KZN Growth Coalition, KZN Economic Council, and KZN Human Resources Development Council.
A substantial skilling revolution is envisaged, aiming to re-skill workers who have lost their jobs in both informal and formal economies, allowing them to be integrated into other sectors or start their businesses. Focus areas include mechanics, construction, electricians, plumbers, retail, restaurants, small-scale farming, and more.
The EWG’s theme, “Ensuring Decent Work, Dignity, and Respect for All,” embodies the hopes for a brighter future with equal access to work and economic opportunities. The Freedom Charter and South Africa’s constitution protect human rights and a minimum quality of life for all citizens, including access to health, education, social security, food, and water. Decent work is fundamental in combating poverty and inequality.
The BRICS Research Networks Seminar and the BRICS Trade Union Forum, both held in September, offered a platform for vigorous discussions and forward-thinking ideas on shaping the future. The results of these events will lead to the adoption of the eThekwini Declaration by the BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment.
KwaZulu-Natal, a province abundant in history, culture, and natural beauty, serves as an example of the power of unity in diversity. As the world celebrates World Tourism Day, it is an appropriate venue for conversations on cooperation and progress. The BRICS Employment Working Group, fueled by the spirit of partnership and shared goals, holds great promise for promoting positive change and sustainable development in the coming years.
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