DEAL WITH LABOUR BROKERS NOW

It is heartening or pleasing to see what the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, is trying to do for the country.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of the Crown on taking a significant step towards protecting workers' rights by gazetting a Bill aimed at addressing the issue of labour brokers. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as many large companies in the country have increasingly relied on labour brokers, a practice that has drawn widespread criticism from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

I must say that ILO has not outlawed labour broking, but it has set standards and guidelines to promote decent work and protect workers.The organisation, to which the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is a member, has several conventions and recommendations to define and prohibit forced labour. These include the Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) of 1930, the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105) of 1957, and the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention of 2014. The ILO's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work includes freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the elimination of forced or compulsory labour.

The ILO is a tripartite United Nations (UN) agency that sets labour standards, develops policies, and promotes decent work. Its mandate is to advance social and economic justice. Some say that labour brokers should be regulated, but not banned. Others say that labour brokers who do not comply with regulations should be closed or struck off the roll. Do Eswatini labour brokers pay terminal benefits? Do they remit the statutory contribution to the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF)? Do they offer pension and medical aid? What type of employment do they offer emaSwati - permanent or short-term contracts? Do banks take the employees’ loan application seriously? Is there any job security?

Around the world, labour broking has been widely condemned for undermining the rights of employees, leaving them in a precarious position where they are often unaware of their true employer.This lack of clarity can lead to complications in the payment of terminal benefits and create confusion during disciplinary hearings, leaving workers vulnerable and unprotected. The situation is particularly concerning in sectors where workers are engaged on short-term contracts, making it difficult to establish a stable employment relationship.

Countries such as South Africa and Australia have taken decisive action against labour broking in recent years, recognising the inherent flaws in this model of employment. In South Africa, the Labour Relations Amendment Act of 2014 significantly restricted the use of labour brokers, ensuring that workers employed through such arrangements receive the same rights and benefits as those directly employed by the company.This legislative change was a response to growing concerns about worker exploitation and the lack of job security faced by individuals employed through brokers.

Similarly, in Australia, the government implemented measures to regulate the use of labour hire services, particularly in industries with a history of worker exploitation. The Fair Work Act provides a framework for ensuring that workers are not only aware of their employment status but also protected by the same rights and entitlements as their directly employed counterparts. These initiatives have been instrumental in fostering a more equitable labour market, where workers are afforded the protections they deserve. The move to ban labour brokers in Eswatini aligns with a global trend towards more ethical labour practices. In countries like Germany, the use of agency workers is tightly regulated, with strict guidelines in place to ensure that they receive equal treatment compared to permanent employees.

This includes provisions for pay equity, access to training, and other essential employment rights. Such measures have contributed to a more stable workforce and have enhanced overall productivity within the economy. The minister's decision to tackle the issue of labour broking is not only a testament to the commitment to uphold workers' rights but also serves as a catalyst for broader change within the labour market in Eswatini. By eliminating the ambiguities associated with labour broking, the government is paving the way for a more transparent and accountable employment landscape. This is crucial for fostering trust between employers and employees, which is fundamental to the growth of any economy.

Moreover, the ban on labour brokers will enable workers in Eswatini to engage more directly with their employers, facilitating better communication and understanding of their rights and responsibilities. This can lead to improved working conditions, enhanced job satisfaction, and ultimately, higher levels of productivity. A workforce that feels valued and secure is more likely to contribute positively to the economy, driving growth and innovation. In conclusion, I commend the minister for this courageous decision and encourage all stakeholders to support this initiative. It is a vital step towards ensuring that all workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The path to a fairer labour market may be challenging, but with the commitment demonstrated by the Ministry of Labour, we are optimistic about a future where every worker in Eswatini can thrive without the uncertainty and challenges posed by labour broking. Together, let us work towards a more just and equitable work environment that aligns with international labour standards and upholds the rights of every individual.

HETEROSEXUALS HAVE RIGHTS TOO

In recent years, the global conversation around sexual orientation and identity has seen a significant shift towards inclusivity and representation of diverse sexual orientations.The rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community have, rightly, gained momentum, promoting non-discrimination and equal opportunity. However, in pursuing this vital inclusivity, it is crucial to ensure that heterosexuality, the world's prevailing sexual orientation, also maintains its place in educational and societal contexts.

The ability of straight individuals to teach about the significance of heterosexuality in a balanced manner is not only important but necessary to uphold the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender as enshrined in international laws. International charters and declarations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Yogyakarta Principles, assert that every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is entitled to the same rights and freedoms. While these milestones focus on protecting minority groups from discrimination, they inherently support the idea that no orientation should be discriminated against, including heterosexuality.

Encouraging an environment where all sexual identities can express themselves freely aligns with these principles, ensuring a balanced societal narrative. In educational settings, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes discussions about all sexual orientations, including heterosexuality. Advocates for heterosexual rights argue that students should be exposed to a wide array of perspectives, enabling them to understand and respect the diversity of human relationships. This aligns with the broader educational goal of fostering well-rounded individuals who are informed about the world's complexities.

By encouraging discourse on heterosexuality, we are not negating the experiences or struggles of those who identify as LGBTQ+ but rather enriching the narrative to illustrate the spectrum of human sexuality.This approach helps in dismantling stereotypes and dispelling myths, thus fostering a more inclusive environment for dialogue and understanding. Several organisations promote the rights and visibility of heterosexuality, providing platforms where the significance of being straight is discussed within society. These groups aim to ensure that the narrative of heterosexuality is not lost amidst the vibrant mosaic of sexual identities.

For instance, some family advocacy groups emphasize the importance of traditional family structures while acknowledging modern family dynamics. These organisations often work in tandem with educational systems to incorporate the principles of diverse sexual orientations, including heterosexuality, within school curricula. A notable example is the Coalition for Marriage, which advocates for the traditional understanding of marriage while supporting a dialogue that includes diverse representations of relationships. By promoting discussions about heterosexuality, such organisations contribute to a balanced understanding of sexual orientation that respects all identities. The encouragement of all sexual orientations, including heterosexuality, can lead to healthy, open discussions that benefit students and society at large.

Schools that provide platforms for discussing heterosexuality alongside other orientations enable students to develop a rounded perspective on relationships and personal identity. This approach is vital in respecting international mandates against discrimination based on sexual orientation.Furthermore, creating safe spaces for conversations about heterosexuality can help counteract any potential marginalisation of straight individuals in the evolving social narrative. This ensures that the concept of inclusivity truly reflects all segments of society, allowing straight individuals to feel acknowledged and represented.

Acknowledging that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, are products of heterosexual relationships is a biological reality that provides a foundation for understanding the continuity of human generations. Emphasising this universal aspect of humanity helps build a common ground upon which mutual respect and understanding can be fostered. It also underscores the interconnectedness of all sexualities and the importance of conversations that include every perspective within the human family.

In conclusion, the rights of straight people to teach about the significance of heterosexuality are as important as the rights afforded to the LGBTQ+ community to express their identities and educate others. By allowing heterosexual individuals to contribute to educational dialogues about their orientation, societies are not only upholding the principles of non-discrimination but are also embracing a broader understanding of human sexuality. Education and advocacy that encompass all orientations can lead to enriched societies where every individual, no matter their sexual orientation, feels valued and understood.

As international laws continue to emphasize the importance of equality and non-discrimination, it is crucial that these values extend to include heterosexuality within educational frameworks and societal dialogues. Through balanced representation and inclusive education, we can foster a world where diversity is celebrated, with heterosexuals taking their responsibility freely to create an environment in which it is not restricted to speak out about the heterosexuality.

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