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South Africa has once again stepped onto the global stage not merely as a participant, but as a force of transformation. At the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), the country's tripartite delegation delivered a masterclass in leadership, unity, and purpose, leaving an indelible mark on the future of work worldwide. At the same time, South Africa secured the honour of hosting the prestigious ARLAC Governing Council meeting in early 2027, an achievement that signals global confidence in the country's leadership.

Led by Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and Acting Director-General Jacky Molisane, the delegation embodied the power of collaboration between government, business, and labour. Acting as one voice, they didn't merely attend, they led, influenced, and reshaped outcomes across three historic pillars that will resonate for generations.

In a world increasingly driven by digital platforms, South Africa stood at the forefront of change. The delegation played a decisive role in advancing a groundbreaking new international convention on decent work in the platform economy, an achievement set to transform the lives of millions of gig and digital workers worldwide.

Championed by a formidable team, Adv. Morajane and Mr. Rathai (government), Ms. de Villiers (BUSA), and Ms. Modise (FEDUSA), South Africa pushed for binding protections where none existed before. Their bold leadership turned policy debate into tangible progress, ensuring the emerging global standard reflects fairness, dignity, and the true spirit of tripartite cooperation.

At the heart of the ILO lies one defining principle: social dialogue. And here, South Africa didn't just participate, it led from the front.

Mr. Ndebele (Chairperson) and Ms. Ramabulana (government), alongside Ms. Martin (BUSA) and Ms. Adam (FEDUSA), played a critical role as drafting members in the Social Dialogue Committee. Their work reaffirmed a powerful truth: sustainable progress is impossible without inclusive, effective collaboration between workers, employers, and government. 2

Through their stewardship, social dialogue was reinforced not just as a tool, but as the backbone of the ILO's global system.

In a defining moment of inspiration, an all-women South African team commanded the Gender Equality Committee with confidence, authority, and vision.

Dr. Mamashela and Ms. Petersen (government), Ms. Losi and Ms. Mtsweni (COSATU), and Ms. Jantjies (BUSA) drove the agenda forward, placing gender justice at the centre of global labour discussions. Their efforts ensured that issues such as equal pay, freedom from violence and harassment, and women's rights were not sidelined, but firmly embedded in the global labour framework.

Their leadership sent a powerful message: the future of work cannot be built without women at the helm.

In the high-stakes Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS), the ILO's most authoritative compliance body, South Africa once again demonstrated excellence.

Represented by Mr. Ndebele and Mr. Moyane, the country contributed with legal precision, diplomatic insight, and unwavering integrity. Their work ensured fairness and accountability across member states, reinforcing trust in the ILO's supervisory system.

In a remarkable moment, when South Africa presented its own report, it received resounding support, an extraordinary endorsement of the nation's transparency, compliance, and commitment to international labour standards.

Minister Meth extended South Africa's influence beyond formal proceedings, engaging in high-level bilateral discussions to strengthen cooperation and share best practices. She chaired the ARLAC Governing Council with distinction and contributed to milestone global commemorations, including the centenary of the Committee on Freedom of Association and the International Day Against Child Labour.

Each engagement reinforced South Africa's standing as a respected, credible, and proactive voice on the world stage.

In a defining moment of recognition, Acting Director-General Jacky Molisane accepted the symbolic baton on behalf of South Africa, confirming the country as host of the ARLAC Governing Council meeting in the first quarter of 2027.

This is more than a ceremonial handover. It is a powerful affirmation of South Africa's leadership in shaping Africa's labour future, and an opportunity to showcase its world-class tripartite model on home soil.

No success of this magnitude happens by chance. Behind the scenes, Mr. Hadebe ensured strategic alignment across key committees, while Mr. Letoaba, Labour Attaché in Geneva, impeccably managed logistics, quietly enabling a seamless, multi-front triumph.

As Minister Meth powerfully stated: 3

“South Africa's participation in this Conference is not about presence, it is about purpose. When we lead, we demonstrate that social dialogue works. That is the South African way. That is the ILO's DNA. And that is why our voice matters."

In a world grappling with inequality, digital disruption, and persistent gender gaps, South Africa has shown that unity is strength, and dialogue is power.

From shaping the future of platform work, to elevating gender equality, to reinforcing global labour standards, this delegation has done more than succeed, it has inspired.

The impact of Geneva will not fade. It will echo, through national policy, regional collaboration, and a more just, inclusive world of work.

South Africa did not just take part. South Africa led. And the world took notice, said Minister Meth.

ENDS//

Media enquiries:

Ms. Thobeka Magcai, Ministry Spokesperson. Email: Thobeka.Magcai@Labour.gov.za 072 737 2205.

Issued by: MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR

DATE: 14 JUNE 2026

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