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Key Points

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the critical need for inclusive economic growth and worker protection. He emphasized the importance of addressing historical workplace inequalities stemming from the apartheid era. Ramaphosa called on businesses to actively foster diversity and create opportunities for underrepresented groups like women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The president sees labor rights as a key component of South Africa's ongoing social and economic transformation.

Key Points: Ramaphosa Calls for Worker Rights and Economic Transformation

  • Addressing systemic workplace inequalities from apartheid era
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in economic sectors
  • Leveraging progressive labor laws for transformation
  • Engaging internationally on worker rights through G20 presidency
2 min read

South African President calls for collective action to protect workers' rights

South African President urges collective action to protect workers' rights and address historical economic inequalities through inclusive growth strategies

"Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all - Cyril Ramaphosa"

Cape Town, May 5

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reiterated the urgent need to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, and to protect the rights and gains of workers across the country.

"At a time when our singular focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation, we must continue to work together to improve the lives of every South African worker. Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all," Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

Reflecting on the country's history, Ramaphosa noted that under apartheid, black workers were systematically denied their rights and excluded from unionization.

While acknowledging the progress made since the introduction of employment equity legislation, he highlighted that much more needs to be done to transform the racial composition of economic ownership, control, and management.

"That is why part of our G20 (Group of 20) presidency involves engagements with labor over the consolidation of worker rights. We have held fruitful discussions in this regard with the International Trade Union Confederation and others," he said.

The president pledged that South Africa will continue to use its progressive labor laws to correct the imbalances of the past and to ensure that these protections translate into tangible benefits for workers, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also called on businesses to take necessary measures to ensure that their workplaces reflect the spirit of the laws.

"Companies should go beyond compliance by actively fostering diversity and inclusion as envisaged in our constitution by addressing historical inequalities and creating opportunities for under-represented groups among their workers, such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities," Ramaphosa added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
It's inspiring to see South Africa addressing workers' rights with such seriousness. India also faces similar challenges with informal sector workers. Maybe our government can learn from their approach to inclusive growth. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While the intentions are good, I wonder how practical this is. In India, we've seen labor laws often remain on paper while workers struggle daily. Hope South Africa implements better than we have.
A
Amit S.
Both our countries share colonial pasts that disrupted our economic structures. Good to see South Africa taking concrete steps. Maybe BRICS nations should collaborate more on workers' welfare policies.
S
Sunita R.
The focus on women and disabled workers is commendable 👏 In India, we need more such targeted policies. Our 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative could take inspiration from this holistic approach.
V
Vikram J.
I appreciate the sentiment but worry about business competitiveness. India tried strict labor laws and it hurt manufacturing growth. There needs to be balance between rights and economic reality.
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Neha P.
As someone whose father worked in South Africa, I know how hard they've fought for workers' rights. Their journey from apartheid to this progressive stance is remarkable. More power to them!

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