BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Honourable Minister for Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, has formally presented the landmark Employment Bill No. 12 of 2024 before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, marking a significant stride towards overhauling Eswatini’s labour legislation.
The Bill, originally introduced in 2023 as Bill No. 7, was disrupted by the dissolution of the 11th Parliament. However, following a resolution by the Labour Advisory Board (LAB), the Ministry has reintroduced the proposed legislation, unchanged, in order to maintain momentum in labour sector reform.
At its core, the Bill aims to modernise Eswatini’s employment framework in alignment with Section 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees workers’ rights. It also seeks to harmonise existing employment laws, align national legislation with international labour standards, particularly International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and repeal the outdated Employment Act No. 5 of 1980.
The proposed reforms address pressing issues in Eswatini’s evolving labour market, including the regulation of fixed-term contracts, protection of migrant labourers, and enforcement of severance payments upon retirement. Importantly, the Bill introduces provisions to curb exploitative labour brokering and the casualisation of employment, which have long affected job security and workers’ welfare.
A major highlight of the Bill is the strengthened protection against unfair dismissal, including cases occurring during probation periods. Furthermore, it empowers the Labour Commissioner with increased authority to enforce labour standards and introduces steeper penalties for noncompliance, signalling a shift toward accountability and improved employer practices.
The formulation of the Bill has been highly consultative. The tripartite Labour Advisory Board – comprising government, labour unions, and employers – played a central role in shaping the proposed legislation. Additionally, technical guidance from the International Labour Organization (ILO) was incorporated to ensure the Bill meets global benchmarks.
Once enacted, the Employment Bill No. 12 of 2024 is expected to foster a fairer and more equitable working environment in Eswatini. It signifies the government’s commitment to promoting decent work, improving industrial relations, and enhancing social protection in line with both national aspirations and international commitments.
(Courtesy Pics)
