ILO Director-General urges more social justice on first official visit to South Africa

During his three-day trip, International Labour Organization Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, held talks with the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, government ministers and employers’ and workers’ representatives. 

PRETORIA (ILO News) – The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has concluded his first official visit to South Africa, during which he emphasised the need for more social justice.                             

He held discussions with President, Cyril Ramaphosa on the way forward for the ILO’s work in South Africa. The Director-General also presented his vision for a Global Coalition for Social Justice, to contribute to the reduction and prevention of inequalities and to ensure that social justice is prioritized in national and global policymaking and activities.

During his stay, the ILO Director-General also met officials from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), as well as government, business, labour and community representatives and the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team in South Africa.

Topics on the agenda included the just transition to greener economies, social protection, youth employment and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

“We owe it to our future generations to coordinate efforts in realising a fair and safe working environment without leaving anyone behind, and this is what social justice is about. If we want to achieve shared prosperity, inclusive growth and universal and lasting peace, we first have to achieve social justice. Social justice helps societies, economies and households become more resilient to socio-economic and environmental shocks, geopolitical instability and global health crises,” Houngbo said.