Geneva, Switzerland – Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, led Eswatini’s delegation to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference where he presented the country’s position on the interconnectedness of job creation, labour rights, and economic growth.
The ILO Conference, currently underway in Geneva, has brought together global labour leaders, ministers, and social partners to discuss the Director General’s report titled “Jobs, rights and growth: Reinforcing the connection.”
During his address at the plenary session on Tuesday afternoon, Buthelezi said Eswatini supports the strengthening of social dialogue as a vital tool for building an inclusive and fair labour system. He said national structures like the Labour Advisory Board (LAB) and the National Steering Committee on Social Dialogue (NSCSD) are being reviewed to improve their function and relevance in driving dialogue between government, business, and workers.
The Minister pointed to the recent decision by the LAB to develop Rules of Procedure as one of the ways government is improving how tripartite discussions are held. He also welcomed efforts by Business Eswatini and the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) to deepen bipartite social dialogue.
“This forum is meant to jointly address shared challenges between employers and workers,” said Buthelezi. “Issues like job retention, skills mismatch, and policy development must be discussed collaboratively.”
The Geneva presentation comes just weeks after Eswatini hosted its inaugural Investment Conference on 14 May. The event brought together international, regional, and local investors alongside government departments and development partners.
Buthelezi told delegates in Switzerland that the Investment Conference formed part of the country’s wider economic strategy, shaped by submissions from the 2023 People’s Parliament and incorporated into the Government’s Programme of Action for 2024/25 to 2028/29.
He said for such economic growth strategies to succeed, they must be reinforced by robust and trusted institutions that support dialogue between all social partners.
The Minister concluded by indicating that Eswatini is nearing completion of a national review process to strengthen its social dialogue structures, with the goal of building a more equitable and growth-oriented labour framework.
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