South Africa sends delegation to ILO’s 111th International Labour Conference

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will lead a delegation to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 111th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva from June 5th to 16th. The delegation consists of representatives from the government, workers, and employers.

Conference to Address Range of Topics

The conference will bring together delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states to discuss a wide range of topics related to labor, including apprenticeships, labor protection, and the transition to sustainable, inclusive economies.

Key Moments for South Africa

South Africa’s Acting Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment and Labour – Labour Policy and Industrial Relations (LP&IR), Sipho Ndebele, has highlighted a few key moments for the country during the conference. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the World of Work Summit on June 14th, while Minister Nxesi will speak at the plenary on June 13th.

Significant Role in Global Labor Market Activities

According to Ndebele, South Africa’s high-level participation in the conference demonstrates the country’s significant role in global labor market activities.

Opportunity to Develop Strong Positions

For South Africa, the conference provides an opportunity to develop strong positions on social protection and just transition. In addition to attending the ILO conference, Minister Nxesi will engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries and attend the ARLAC Governing Council.

Invitation from ILO Director-General

South Africa’s participation in the ILO conference follows an invitation from the ILO Director-General’s office in February 2023. The conference will take place at the Palais de Nations and ILO headquarters, with full in-person attendance.

Side Event on World Day Against Child Labour

In addition to the main ILC event, a side event commemorating World Day Against Child Labour will be held alongside the conference.

ILO’s Mission and Goals

The ILO, established in 1919, is an agency of the United Nations (UN) with a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Platform for Collaboration and Strategy Development

The 111th ILC offers a platform for South Africa and other nations to collaborate on pressing labor issues and develop strategies for fostering sustainable, inclusive economies. With high-level participation from President Ramaphosa and Minister Nxesi, South Africa is poised to make a significant impact on the global labor market and contribute to the development of strong positions on critical issues such as social protection and just transition.