Your Excellency, Hon. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both an honour and a profound privilege to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you, Honourable Minister, and your esteemed delegation. Your presence in South Africa reaffirms the enduring ties between our two great nations—ties forged in shared history, common values, and a mutual aspiration for a just and inclusive global order.

The relationship between South Africa and India is more than diplomatic—it is deeply rooted in solidarity and struggle, in aspirations and ideals. The spirit of this relationship was immortalised by President Nelson Mandela when, in 1997, he stood on the grounds of the Red Fort to sign the historic declaration that laid the foundation for our strategic partnership. Since that time, our countries have nurtured a growing collaboration—through bilateral exchanges, BRICS solidarity, and multilateral platforms—grounded in the pursuit of social justice, decent work, and inclusive development.

Navigating a Changing World of Work

Honourable Minister, we meet at a pivotal moment in global history. The world of work is undergoing a profound transformation—shaped by rapid technological advancement, the transition to green economies, demographic shifts, and persistent inequalities. These challenges are not unique to any one nation, but they demand a shared response anchored in innovation, solidarity, and foresight.

In this context, South Africa and India stand as natural partners—both vibrant democracies with youthful populations, rich in cultural diversity, and united in their resolve to ensure that economic progress leaves no worker behind.

Reflecting on Our Shared Journey

Our bilateral cooperation has already taken meaningful strides:

   •        In 2023, a delegation from the Department of Employment and Labour undertook a successful study visit to India, focusing on labour inspection systems and enforcement mechanisms. We were particularly impressed by India's e-Shram portal and the systemic reforms introduced to enhance occupational safety and health. These innovations provide valuable insights for our own institutional reforms.

   •        We have also initiated the process toward formalising our cooperation through a draft Memorandum of Understanding, which we hope will serve as the institutional anchor for our long-term partnership. We sincerely appreciate the engagement from your High Commission in Pretoria, and we remain optimistic about the timely finalisation of this important instrument.

Proposals for Enhanced Collaboration

Looking ahead, I wish to propose that our partnership be structured around three key pillars:

1. Strengthening Labour Inspection and Enforcement

Let us explore opportunities for:

   •        Joint capacity-building initiatives for labour inspectors.

   •        Technical exchanges on curbing informalisation and

eradicating exploitative labour practices.

2. Skills Development and Future-Ready Workforces

We are keen to draw on India's expertise in:

•        Large-scale skills development programmes such as Skill India, to assist us in tackling youth unemployment.

•        Developing collaborative programmes on apprenticeships, vocational training, and digital skills, especially for informal economy workers and marginalised groups.

3. Social Protection and Migrant Worker Welfare

We propose:

   •        Dialogue on the extension and portability of social security

entitlements for cross-border workers, drawing inspiration

from India's One Nation, One Ration Card system.

   •        Joint positions in BRICS and G20 platforms to advocate for

labour migration frameworks that are fair, inclusive, and

rights-based.

A Call to Action

Your Excellency, the draft MoU before us is more than an agreement—it is a strategic framework through which our shared ambitions may be realised. I humbly request your support to expedite its conclusion so that we may move forward with implementation.

To that end, South Africa would be honoured to host a technical delegation from India to explore areas of practical cooperation. Furthermore, we propose the establishment of a Joint Working Group to monitor implementation, exchange knowledge, and identify emerging opportunities for collaboration.

Conclusion

In the spirit of Ubuntu—the belief in our shared humanity—and India's timeless philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is one family," let us work together to build a model of South-South cooperation that not only transforms our labour markets, but also contributes meaningfully to the global discourse on decent work and sustainable development.

I thank you, Honourable Minister, for your visionary leadership and for the opportunity to deepen the bonds between our nations.

Let today's meeting be a catalyst for renewed purpose and lasting partnership.

Thank you.

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