Key stakeholder meetings in Eswatini address labour standards and future strategies

After the International Labour Conference in June 2024, several pivotal meetings were held with the International Labour Organization (ILO) national tripartite constituents from July 18th to 19th, 2024, focusing on strengthening the application of International Labour Standards (ILS) and future strategic planning in Eswatini. These discussions come at a critical juncture as the nation seeks to address labour rights issues and set a solid foundation for future collaboration between government, labour unions, and employers.

Focus on Labour Rights and Future Legislation

The discussions kicked off on July 18th at the Office of the Attorney General, where the application of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), took centre stage. This convention, which ensures workers' rights to form and join unions, was a key topic following the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards’ Conclusions, adopted in June 2024. The Honorable Attorney General, Mr. Sifiso Khumalo, stressed the importance of Eswatini's timely and comprehensive response to the ILO by the week of August 12th, 2024. He further announced that the Employment Bill was now with Cabinet, allowing his office to focus on advancing the Industrial Relations Bill.

Prime Ministerial Briefing 

On July 19th, Eswatini’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Russel Dlamini, held a briefing with key officials, including the Honorable Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Phila Buthelezi, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira. The ILO mission, led by Mr. Alexio Musindo, Director of the Decent Work Technical Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, provided insights into the ILO’s mission and the importance of International Labour Standards.

Prime Minister Dlamini expressed gratitude for the ILO's efforts but voiced concerns about the country’s negative international image, particularly regarding political issues. He emphasized the role of social partners—government, employers, and workers—in tackling internal challenges before presenting them to the global stage. This signals the administration’s awareness of the importance of addressing labour rights in tandem with wider political concerns.

Strategising for the Future

A key takeaway from the debriefing with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) was the need for a structured, forward-looking plan. The meeting concentrated on setting a strategic roadmap for the next two to three years, with an emphasis on supporting social partners, including the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA). A drafting committee, comprising government representatives and labour unions, was tasked with shaping this roadmap.

Additionally, the MoLSS requested ILO’s technical assistance in establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) outcomes. These targets will form the cornerstone of future capacity-building sessions designed to promote collaboration among Eswatini’s tripartite constituents and ensure continuous progress in labour relations.

Commitment to Future Collaboration

The discussions from these meetings underline the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to upholding ILS and fostering productive social dialogue. With the Employment Bill poised for Cabinet review and a clear focus on the Industrial Relations Bill, the government is taking tangible steps to enhance labour conditions. The ILO’s ongoing support will be instrumental in ensuring that Eswatini not only meets international standards but also fosters a sustainable and inclusive future for its workforce.

These meetings signal a collaborative and determined effort to strengthen Eswatini’s labour standards and social dialogue, paving the way for constructive reforms in the years to come.