First FORUM: 'Public Employment Agents vs. Private Labour Brokers: foes or partners of the labour market?'

On October 14, 2010 the first German-South African Forum on Labour and Social Affairs took place in the auditorium of the Goethe Institute in Johannesburg. Ms Monika M Sommer, Counsellor of Labour and Social Affairs of the German Embassy, invited guests to a discussion on the topic 'Public Employment Agents vs. Private Labour Brokers: foes or partners of the labour market?'.

Enlarge image (© German Embassy Pretoria) An active debate on the subject matter ensued following introductory presentations of the topic by the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Pretoria, Vic van Vuuren, and controversial statements by Rudi Dicks, Director of  Naledi, which is in close co-operation with the trade unions, as well as by John Botha, President of the temporary employment company „Production Management Institute of Southern Africa“ (PMI).

The interchange proved informative and fertile for the participants of the FORUM that comprised of government officials and representatives of public institutions, staff of trade unions and employer associations, NEDLAC, the tripartite National Economic Development and Labour Council, representatives of German foundations, social scientists, representatives of the German Industry in South Africa, players in the development policy, and representatives of international organizations. This interchange contributed to seeking practical solutions in a field  filled with ideological arrangements. There was a consensus that the ultimate goal should be to  provide decent working conditions to unemployed South Africans. The initiative of the Embassy for the FORUM was well received.

The FORUM will be held as a Jour Fixe every two months and will serve as a catalysator for communication and network building within the South African labour and social policy's framework. Recent political and social issues of both Germany and South Africa will be brought up and discussed in an open, informal setting. Ideally, the FORUM might influence the decision-making of political players.

The discourse was deepend and continued with following light snacks and refreshments.

The Embassy would like to thank the Goethe Institute for being able to make use of their auditorium, an ideal events venue.