Employment and labour programmes of Southern Africa are under review, in Johannesburg.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Labour, are at the meeting from the 24 to 26 February 2026.
Recommendations from the meeting will be sent to member countries for implementation.
Nomakhosazana Meth, South Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour, who is also the Chairperson of the SADC Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners, highlighted challenges of the current global geopolitical landscape.
She said “rising protectionism, the resurgence of conflicts and the “friend-shoring” of economies, collectively contribute to a fragmented world order.”
Duduzile Simelane, SADC Director of Social and Human Development, said there has been significant impact from shifts in development cooperation, including the withdrawal or reduction of support from several traditional partners.
This has led to pressures on regional progress due to the region’s heavy reliance on external financing.
Global players also in attendance are the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC) and the SADC Private Sector Forum (SPSF).
Picture: Alexio Musindo, Representative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)