ILO calls for efficient Job and growth pattern in Africa

ILO calls for efficient Job and growth pattern in Africa
Funke Atohengbe, Johannesburg

The International Labour Organization, ILO, has called for a more efficient job and intensive growth pattern to avoid severe economic consequences in Africa and the world in general.

The Director General of the ILO, Mr Juan Somavia, said at the opening of the 12th ILO African Regional Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, that too much emphasis is being laid on how to give confidence to financial operators and too little on ways of retaining the trust of the citizens.

Under-utilization of labour

Mr Somavia said though Sub-Saharan Africa recorded some level of growth through Direct Foreign Investment, this has not impacted on the lives of the common man or the labour force.

Declaring the meeting open, South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma noted that many African countries have experienced an under –utilization of labour, low levels of manufacturing activity and over reliance on resources.

He said though African countries have been in the forefront of promoting decent work, poverty still continued to plague the continent.

Earlier, the South African Minister of Labour, Ms Mildred Oliphant, said poverty is the result of political issues and not lack of resources or finance.

She enjoined African leaders to give attention to even distribution of wealth among its citizenry.

The 12th ILO Africa Regional Meeting has as its theme: “Empowering Africa’s People with decent work.”

Williams