ILO Pretoria's impact in 2024 and vision for 2025

As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new beginnings of 2025, it is with great pride that we highlight the significant strides made by the ILO Pretoria Office in supporting employment and labour initiatives across Southern Africa. The unwavering commitment of the ILO has been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering sustainable development in the region.

Throughout 2024, the ILO has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at improving labour conditions, promoting equality, and combating child labour. The fight against child labour remains a priority for the ILO. In 2024, South Africa hosted pivotal workshops in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal to advance the Child Labour Programme of Action (CLPA). These workshops provided a platform to analyse lessons from previous phases and outline practical steps to eradicate child labour. The ILO's support in these efforts underscores its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7.

The ILO's commitment to non-discrimination, equality, diversity, and inclusion was demonstrated through a series of impactful initiatives. Roadshows conducted in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) reached over 3,000 participants across South Africa. These roadshows focused on promoting good practices in areas such as HIV and AIDS in the workplace, the employment of persons with disabilities, and the prevention of violence and harassment.

The graduation of the second cohort of the "Diploma for Labour Migration Experts and Practitioners" in Johannesburg marked a significant milestone for the Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) Project. This comprehensive training program has enhanced the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the field of labour migration, contributing to better governance and protection of migrant workers' rights.

The Joint Tripartite Technical Committee (JTTC) Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Employment and Labour Sector, held in Johannesburg, brought together representatives from ten member states to tackle pressing issues impacting regional growth and employment. The meeting underscored the importance of regional cooperation and technical capacity building to harmonize labour strategies and promote sustainable employment.

Following a tragic construction accident in George, South Africa, the ILO Decent Work in Construction Project organized a roadshow campaign to promote awareness of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH). The campaign reached approximately 2.4 million people and culminated in the signing of the Decent Work pledge, reinforcing the commitment to labour law compliance and worker safety.

2025: A Promising Start

The beginning of 2025 has been marked by significant developments, including the ILO Director's visit to the Minister of Labour in Botswana. This visit underscores the ILO's ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting labour initiatives in the region.

The Botswana State of the Nation Address (SONA) in November 2024 highlighted several key areas related to employment and labour. The address emphasised the importance of creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and promoting inclusive economic growth. The ILO's support in these areas has been crucial in driving policy changes and implementing effective strategies to achieve these goals.

As we move forward, the ILO remains dedicated to fostering positive change and supporting sustainable development in Southern Africa. The achievements of 2024 and the promising start to 2025 reflect the ILO's unwavering commitment to improving labour conditions, promoting equality, and protecting workers' rights.

We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts and making a lasting impact in the SADC Region.