Caption: MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma at the BRICS Employment Workshop taking place in Durban this week. Picture: Supplied
The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, has urged labour experts, senior government officials, and delegates attending the BRICS Employment Working Group, currently taking place in Durban, to formulate a clear plan of action to assist workers burdened by debt.
The call was made during the opening day of the working group meeting, which precedes the BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment Conference scheduled for later this week.
MEC Duma highlighted the adverse impact of unfavourable economic conditions, especially on the working class in the province, emphasising the need for swift and effective solutions.
With representatives from the International Labour Organization and International Social Security Association in attendance, Mr Duma expressed optimism that BRICS could lead the way in addressing these pressing concerns for the workforce.
“As the KZN government, we are committed to collaborating with organised labour to tackle the issue of employees struggling with debt,” said Mr Duma.
He acknowledged the widespread problem of indebted workers in various sectors, both public and private, highlighting the issue of garnishee orders that often leave employees without a substantial portion of their salaries.
Mr Duma also drew attention to the continued rise in food prices forecast, particularly affecting provinces like KwaZulu-Natal. He noted that the province already faced challenges with poverty and food insecurity, with more than 3.5 million people and over 580 000 households impacted by these hardships.
The MEC announced that the KZN Government was prioritising the re-skilling of its residents as one of the key interventions. In his role as Leader of Government Business, he revealed plans to convene meetings with key stakeholders to discuss the impact of economic recovery initiatives and explore opportunities to enhance the skills of retrenched workers.
"We are committed to a significant skilling revolution aimed at reskilling workers who have lost their jobs, both in the informal and formal economies," Mr Duma said. The goal is to facilitate their reintegration into other sectors or new businesses.
Mr Duma said retrenched workers would need support to establish and operate businesses successfully. Various fields, such as mechanics, construction labourers, electricians, plumbers, restaurants, retailing, small-scale farming, and more, were identified as areas where these workers could potentially find opportunities.
“We also have workers in the creative industry, tourism, and numerous other sectors. With proper training, we aim to empower them to become entrepreneurs capable of creating job opportunities in townships and rural areas,“ said Mr Duma.
He stressed that improved living and working conditions for workers were not a mere favour but a constitutional right that the democratic government must uphold.
He cited the country's constitution, which guarantees human rights for all, including access to health, education, social security, food, and water.