Ambitious 10

Ambitious 10-point programme outlined by minister falls short when it comes to implementation, say stakeholders

Labour gives Mdladlana a mixed review.

The minister of labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, has received mixed reviews of his performance from labour experts, business and unionists against the 10-point programme of action he has set for himself and the department.

The reviews come in the wake of the cabinet reshuffle announced by President Thabo Mbeki last Wednesday.

While some praised the minister for developing a good relationship with business, labour and the community, others faulted him on the weak link between policy formulation and implementation.

Andrew Levy, a labour law consultant, said:

"Unfortunately, the department is not getting to grips with the most serious issue we face, namely, the existence of a grey labour market. Until they get this right, job creation will remain a dream."

Levy said another disappointing area was the shortage of skills in the country, which had to be addressed as soon as possible.

"The minister has to address why people are outsourcing labour. He has also failed to involve himself with debate, particularly with employers," he said.

Vic van Vuuren, Business Unity SA's chief operations officer, said:

"The minister has done well in terms of policy and regulatory matter formulation.

Among things he has done are the revision of the Labour Relations Act to deal with the demands of the socioeconomic environment, promoting the Employment Equity Act and Skills Development Act.

"The problem, however, lies in the implementation of the laws."

Van Vuuren said the minister has been very outspoken and developed a good relationship with social partners comprising business, labour and community representatives.

On skills, he said there needed to be a "better co-ordination between the minister of education and the minister of labour".

Chez Milani, the general secretary of the Federation of Unions of SA, said: "It's a critical ministry in the country, particularly in the light of the high levels of unemployment.

Our concern though is that there are numerous vacancies within the department that need to be filled urgently. "Linked to that is the number of inspectors that have to cover areas of concern such as health and safety, and employment equity."

Milani added: "We are reiterating our call for an appointment of a minister of employment because of the wide area covered by the department of labour. "Joseph Maqhekeni, the president of the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu), said:

"We think the department has met targets in training and development. The restructuring of the sector education and training authorities [Setas] shows the minister's commitment to see progress in this area. "What has not happened is the transformation of Setas' management."

Maqhekeni added: "Nactu feels the minister has done a good job in enacting laws that protect domestic workers, farm workers, retail workers and, recently, taxi industry employees. It is up to unions to make sure that our victories are observed.

The department has to strengthen the enforcement mechanism by appointing more labour inspectors. Unless this happens, employers will continue to flout the labour laws with impunity."

Dumisa Ntuli, spokesperson for the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, said: "His department has been very proactive and hands-on in terms of labour inspections.

He has also been quick to visit areas affected by accidents such as Lenasia, where over 20 workers died after being locked by the employer overnight, Sasol and other places.

"The minister has also been in the forefront of opposing the further deregulation of the South African labour market. He is on record as saying we have a very flexible labour market."

Mdladlana's programme of action includes focusing on employment creation, skills development, protection of vulnerable workers, promotion of equity, strengthening multilateral and bilateral relations, strengthening unemployment insurance and compensation for injuries and diseases, promotion of labour relations, and monitoring the impact of legislation on broad government policy.