Global Courant 2023-05-01 19:33:21
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On this International Labor Day, the Presidents of Parliament join millions of workers around the world in celebrating victories in the fight for better working conditions.
Since 1994, Workers’ Day has been officially recognized in South Africa as a celebration of workers’ rights and a reminder of the crucial role played by the country’s workers in the fight against apartheid. Parliament pays tribute to workers for the valiant struggle they waged against oppressive labor laws under colonial and apartheid government systems.
Led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngqakula and the President of the National Council of Provinces, Mr. Amos Masondo, the Speakers of Parliament recognize that workers are the backbone of the economy.
Over the years, Parliament has consolidated workers’ rights through a wide range of work-related laws that promote, strengthen and protect workers’ rights. Key pieces of legislation such as the Minimum Wage Act, the Labor Code Amendment Act, the Basic Conditions Act and the Labor Relations Act have all contributed to building a socially just labor system. These laws have ensured acceptable daily wages, the extension of bargaining agreements to non-parties and general improvements in working conditions in South Africa. Parliament recognizes that much more needs to be done to address existing disparities and to respond positively to calls for “equal pay for equal work” in all sectors.
Continuous strengthening of existing labor laws and extensive monitoring of their implementation remain Parliament’s priorities. Through its oversight tools, Parliament continues to strengthen policies and legislative mechanisms to improve the living and working conditions of the South African working class at large.
Recently, the National Assembly tasked the Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Portfolio Committee, as well as the Employment and Labor Portfolio Committee, with reviewing the implementation and impact of relevant legislative texts and the work done by various state agencies, government departments and social partners in the agricultural sector.
Monitoring visits have shown that despite numerous legislative policy formulations and interventions, workers and peasant residents continue to face challenges such as insecurity of their property, threatened livelihoods and violations of their human and labor rights. Parliament recognizes the collaborative work within the agricultural sector involving different social partners, landowners, farm workers and farmers in seeking solutions to the challenges facing farming communities. Both portfolio committees will work together to provide comprehensive monitoring of the living and working conditions of farm workers, monitor progress made through the government’s commitments to improve living and working conditions in farming communities, and assess the impact of legislation on farm workers.
Parliament remains committed to building a truly democratic and prosperous society where workers and all individuals enjoy a better quality of life. As part of this commitment, Parliament will continue to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, fight inequality, poverty and unemployment, and promote legislative improvements in all sectors.
Despite progress in protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions, unemployment in South Africa remains high, especially among young people. It is critical that as many South Africans as possible are included in the labor market through efforts to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and invest in education and training. Parliament recognizes the urgency to tackle unemployment and is committed to greater scrutiny of sustainable employment programs and strategies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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