The BRICS Employment Working Group: A Lifeline for Debt-Burdened Workers

Tackling Labor Struggles in a Changing Economy

As the global economic landscape continues to shift, the BRICS coalition (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has stepped up to address the challenges faced by workers. Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, has urged labor experts, senior government officials, and delegates at the BRICS Employment Working Group to adopt a resolution outlining a clear action plan to reduce the debt burden plaguing numerous workers.

The working group meeting was recently held in Durban, paving the way for the upcoming BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment Conference. Duma spoke to the attendees, emphasizing the difficulties millions of people, particularly the working class, are facing due to unfavorable economic conditions. With representatives from the International Labour Organisation and International Social Security Association present, Duma expressed hope that a lasting solution would arise through the BRICS coalition, ultimately benefiting the workforce.

Duma shed light on the current challenges faced by workers, especially those employed in various government and private sector roles, who are struggling with debt. The issue of garnishee orders in public service, which leave a significant number of employees without a salary each month, remains a pressing concern. Moreover, the rising cost of food and fuel worsens the situation, with Duma using KwaZulu-Natal—one of the provinces affected by price increases—as an example. The province has an estimated 3.5 million food-insecure individuals and over 580,000 households living in poverty.

Re-Skilling for a Better Future

To address these challenges, the KZN Government plans to focus on re-skilling its population. As Leader of Government Business, Duma has instructed his office to plan a meeting involving key stakeholders to discuss the impact of economic recovery plans and examine the potential for collaboration to enhance the skills of retrenched workers. The KZN Government’s partnerships with important industry players, such as COSATU, the KZN Growth Coalition, the KZN Economic Council, and the KZN Human Resources Development Council (made up of representatives from academic institutions), are crucial to the re-skilling initiative. The goal is to launch a massive skilling revolution to retrain workers who have lost their jobs in both informal and formal economies, enabling them to be re-integrated into other sectors or new businesses.

Duma’s ambitious plan includes providing retrenched workers with the necessary support to start their own businesses in various fields, such as mechanics, construction laborers, electricians and plumbers, restaurants, lounges, taverns and spaza shops, retail, and small-scale farming. Moreover, workers in the creative industry, tourism, and many other sectors too numerous to mention will receive proper training to become entrepreneurs capable of creating job opportunities in townships and rural areas.

Upholding Workers’ Rights and Improving Conditions

Duma emphasized that improved living and working conditions for workers are not a favor but a constitutional right, which the democratic government must uphold at all times. The country’s constitution guarantees human rights for all, including the right to a minimum standard of life and access to health, education, social security, food, and water.

Through its collaborative efforts and innovative programs, the BRICS Employment Working Group aims to create a brighter future for workers in the coalition’s member countries. By focusing on re-skilling initiatives, promoting entrepreneurship, and addressing the root causes of debt, the working group seeks to bring about a lasting change that will ultimately improve living and working conditions for millions of people. This essential mission highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling economic challenges and ensuring a better quality of life for all.