Africa-Press – Eswatini. Business Eswatini (BE) has pulled off a major success on the international stage, convincing the International Labour Organization (ILO) to remove the Kingdom of Eswatini from the final list of cases to be discussed by the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) during the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
This breakthrough marks a turning point in how Eswatini addresses labour concerns and demonstrates the growing influence and effectiveness of Business Eswatini as a national advocate and mediator in global labour affairs.
The CAS listing, prompted by concerns from the ILO’s Committee of Experts over Eswatini’s compliance with the Tripartite Consultation Convention (No. 144), could have led to unwanted international scrutiny. But thanks to swift, smart lobbying by BE, with strategic support from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Eswatini was spared the spotlight.
A Tactical Win in Geneva
Business Eswatini’s advocacy centred on the tangible progress the country has made in revitalizing its tripartite structures, particularly the Labour Advisory Board (LAB). Through compelling submissions and constructive diplomacy, BE argued that Eswatini was already on a positive path, establishing a Tripartite Drafting Committee to create clear, inclusive Rules of Procedure for the LAB.
“Dialogue won the day,” said BE President Mvuselelo Fakudze. “The ILO saw that Eswatini’s social partners are actively engaged in resolving issues internally, and that’s what ultimately changed the outcome.”
His sentiments were echoed by BE CEO E. Nathi Dlamini, who praised organized labour for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with employers in the effort. “We must now focus forward. There’s no future in the past,” Dlamini said. “This success proves we can face any challenge if we are united.”
Reputational Rescue and Economic Signal
Had Eswatini remained on the CAS list, it would have signaled to the world that the country was struggling to meet international labour standards, potentially affecting investor confidence. The removal from the list not only restores Eswatini’s reputation but also strengthens its position as a credible, responsible member of the international labour community.
The success also affirms the power of home-grown solutions. Rather than waiting for external prescriptions, Eswatini chose to handle its matters through its own institutions, with BE playing a central coordinating role.
What’s Next?
The Tripartite Drafting Committee is now finalizing the LAB’s new rules, paving the way for a more transparent and inclusive labour governance structure. Business Eswatini is calling on all stakeholders, employers, workers, and government, to maintain the momentum and deepen their commitment to meaningful dialogue.
This victory may have been won in Geneva, but its impact will be felt across Eswatini’s boardrooms, workplaces, and policy halls for years to come.
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