ARLAC
By Mpho Moloi
The Ministry of Employment and Labour has welcomed South Africa’s election as chair of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council for the 2025-2027 term. The appointment was confirmed during the 51st ARLAC Governing Council meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 10 – 14 February 2025.
The election marks a significant milestone for South Africa’s leadership in labour administration and governance on the African continent. Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, will serve as the chairperson, leading ARLAC’s agenda to strengthen labour administration systems in Africa.
Deputy Minister Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala represented South Africa at the summit and successfully led the South African delegation, which secured the country’s election to the prestigious position.
South Africa’s Leadership Role in ARLAC
ARLAC was established in 1974 through a collaboration between the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The organisation is mandated to provide training, research, consultancy, and advisory services to African nations in labour administration and policy development.
As the newly elected chair of the ARLAC Governing Council, South Africa will play a pivotal role in shaping policies, promoting decent work, and tackling informal employment on the continent.
Minister Meth expressed her gratitude, stating:
“We welcome the election of South Africa by member countries and wish to thank the outgoing chair of the Governing Council, Minister E. Moyo from Zimbabwe, for his leadership. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the government of Zambia for their warm hospitality during the meeting.”Key Outcomes of the 51st ARLAC Governing Council Meeting
The ARLAC Governing Council meeting was preceded by a High-Level Ministerial Symposium on 12 February 2025. The symposium focused on “Innovative Approaches to Tackling Informality and Promoting Transition towards Formality to Promote Decent Work.”
This theme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8), which advocates for “Decent Work and Economic Growth”.
During the meeting, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango of Zambia delivered a keynote address, emphasising the importance of formalising informal employment and ensuring fair labour practices. The discussions focused on:
• Legislative and policy frameworks to address informal work.
• Strategies to promote decent work and worker protection.
• Enhancing social dialogue among African nations to improve labour standards.
The outcomes of the meeting reinforced ARLAC’s commitment to strengthening labour administration and ensuring a fair and inclusive job market in Africa.
South Africa’s Role in ARLAC Leadership Structures
In addition to chairing the Governing Council, South Africa will also serve in key ARLAC structures, including:
1. Committee of Senior Officials – South Africa joins Zimbabwe, Sudan, Zambia, and Sierra Leone in overseeing policy implementation, governance, and programming.
2. Four Vice-Chairs – South Africa will work alongside Sierra Leone, Malawi, Sudan, and Zimbabwe to drive ARLAC’s objectives.
The Committee of Senior Officials meets four times a year to assess progress and report to the Governing Council.
South Africa’s Commitment to Labour Reform and Regional Cooperation
The Department of Employment and Labour reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening labour administration systems through ARLAC’s training, consultancy, and advisory services.
Minister Nomakhosazana Meth highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing labour challenges across Africa, stating:
“This is a proud moment for South Africa. Our election as chair of ARLAC affirms our leadership in promoting decent work, social dialogue, and fair employment practices. I extend my gratitude to Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala for her outstanding work at the recent ARLAC Governing Council meeting.”The department noted that South Africa’s leadership role will enhance skills development, policy formulation, and knowledge-sharing among African nations.
Next Steps: ARLAC’s Upcoming Governing Council Meeting in Geneva
The next ARLAC Governing Council meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2025.
South Africa will be at the forefront of discussions on:
• Expanding formal employment opportunities.
• Strengthening labour administration policies in Africa.
• Enhancing worker rights and protection mechanisms.
With this election, South Africa is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of labour administration in Africa over the next three years.
Conclusion
South Africa’s election as chair of ARLAC’s Governing Council for the 2025-2027 term is a major step towards enhancing labour standards, promoting decent work, and addressing informal employment in Africa.
With Minister Nomakhosazana Meth at the helm, the country is well-positioned to lead policy development, training initiatives, and social dialogue that will positively impact the African labour market.
The Department of Employment and Labour has expressed full support for this new role and remains committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive workforce across the continent.
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