German-South African FORUM on Labour and Social Affairs
German-South African Forum on Labours and Social Affairs (FORUM)
The FORUM is held as a Jour Fixe every two months and serves 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 are brought up and discussed in an open and informal setting.
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(© German Embassy Pretoria)
The aim is to speak about important topics with people from different fields of work and without the need of sticking to ideologies. An adapted version of the ‘Chatham-House-Rules’*, that are used throughout the world, will apply as an aid to offer a free discussion. Thus ideally the FORUM may emerge as a kind of ‘think tank’ that mayinfluence political actors in their decision-making in the long run.
The FORUM is composed of civil servants from governmental and public institutions,members of trade unions and federations of employers, NEDLAC, German and South African foundations, academics, representatives of the German Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, German and South African companies, actors of development policies and representatives of international organisations such as ILO, IOM or UNHCR. The list of participants may vary from case to case.
The FORUM starts with a short, 15 minute long presentation introducing the topic and participants. Thereafter, a stimulating discussion will be initiated by two controversial speakers (10minutes). Contributions should not exceed 5 minutes each. This part of the FORUM is envisaged to take about 1,5 hours. The facilitator guarantees the observance of these ground-rules that are aimed at a free exchange of thoughts. The discourse may be further carried on while having snacks and drinks. Working language is be English.
Possible topics are:
- Regulating Labour Markets: German and South African experiences.
- Migrant Workers: how do they contribute to social and economic development? Policy approaches in Germany and South Africa.
- Labour Brokers: modern slave traders or service providers in a modern economy?
- Black Empowerment und Employment Equity: ongoing challenges.
- Short-time work in economic crisis: experiences in Germany and South Africa.
- Social Dialogue: experiences of institutionalised labour participation in South Africa (NEDLAC).
- Temporary skills development: A strategy to accelerate development? How can German companies help with that process?
- Private or public health systems: is an insurance system or a tax based public health system better in tackling the challenges for today's societies?
- Health and safety at the work place.
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MP Ulla Schmidt with Ms Monika Sommer, Counsellor of Labour and Social Affairs of the German Embassy
(© German Embassy Pretoria)
The FORUM takes place at the Goethe-Institute (GI) Johannesburg. Many potential participants reside in Johannesburg. Moreover, the GI features a supportive atmosphere, as it allows to easilyswitch from the more formal part of the event (the discussion round) into a more informal set-up. Food and beverages are provided by the local caterer.
All in all, the FORUM encourages a procreative linking-up of different actors of the heterogeneous field of labour and social policy.
*"When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rules, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be used in the discussion".
