Recently, I had the privilege of being part of a delegation that met with the South African government at the South African mission. Our delegation, representing the Public Services International (PSI), engaged in a fruitful discussion with Deputy Minister Doctor Macieke, who heads the Department of Public Service in South Africa, along with her advisors, Miss Penelope and Miss Obaque.

The atmosphere of the meeting was cordial and friendly, and the South African officials welcomed us warmly. They showed a genuine commitment to hearing our concerns and requests. One of the key topics we addressed was South Africa's ratification of Convention 190 (C190) and their compliance with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) reports following the ratification. We commended South Africa for their efforts and urged them to continue supporting the implementation of C190 in national legislation and policies, particularly regarding the elimination of harassment and violence in the workplace.

Another important point of discussion was the compilation of comments by global trade unions on a lengthy document. We expressed our appreciation for certain sections while emphasizing the need for clarity and inclusion of critical issues related to care work. Specifically, we advocated for the regulation and nationalization of care work to ensure its recognition and fair treatment.

We highlighted the significance of including provisions such as maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave in the legislation. Additionally, we stressed the importance of maintaining labor conditions and social protection for workers, especially in the context of flexible work arrangements.

Despite some controversies surrounding the inclusion of care work in negotiations, we received assurances from the South African officials that our concerns would be forwarded to the chief negotiator. They pledged to keep us updated on the discussions and to consider our input seriously.

Looking ahead, both parties agreed on the need for continued engagement beyond the meeting in New York. Despite the upcoming elections in South Africa, there is optimism that the commitment to collaboration with PSI will persist.

In conclusion, the meeting with the South African government was productive and promising. It exemplified the importance of dialogue and cooperation in advocating for workers' rights on a global scale. As negotiations progress, we remain hopeful for meaningful outcomes that prioritize the well-being and dignity of workers everywhere.