Umhlanga: Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has called on G20 member states to urgently address growing inequality and the erosion of labour income share, warning that these trends threaten global economic stability and social cohesion. The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second G20 Employment Working Group meeting in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Meth emphasised that economic progress must not be measured solely by GDP or trade metrics, but by the ability to uplift vulnerable communities through decent work, fair wages, and inclusive opportunities. She underscored the need to close gender gaps in employment and pay, describing it as both a moral imperative and a driver of innovation and prosperity.
‘We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the global landscape is marked by increasing disparities threatening the fundamental principles upon which just and dignified societies are built,’ Meth stated. She highlighted the precarious conditions faced by millions of workers worldwide, who are subject to stagnant wages and limited opportunities for social mobility.
Meth stressed that economic growth must not be evaluated solely through GDP metrics, trade balances, or other numerical indicators. While such measures are important, they cannot be the only barometers of success. Genuine progress, she argued, must be evident in the collective commitment to uplift the most vulnerable segments of society.
She further emphasised that labour should not be viewed as a commodity and that workers are human beings with rights. Meth called for the rejection of transactional approaches that compromise fairness, equity, and dignity, stating that an international system prioritising profit over people is unsustainable and unethical.
As the G20 President, South Africa remains steadfast in upholding the values of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Meth asserted that these principles are not abstract ideals but the foundation on which policies and governance structures are built. She categorically rejected any notion that human suffering can be reduced to a mere footnote in pursuit of political expediency or economic dominance.
The Minister highlighted the Employment Working Group’s focus on youth employment and women’s economic empowerment, with targets such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Goal to reduce global youth unemployment by 5% by 2030. She stressed the importance of creating quality jobs, fostering skills development, and championing youth-led innovation.
Additionally, the group is pushing to renew and expand commitments like the Brisbane-eThekwini Target to close gender gaps in labour force participation. Meth warned that the cost of inaction on workplace equality and youth inclusion would be far greater than intervention.
Minister Meth also raised concerns over disruptive global trade developments, urging G20 countries to forge resilient labour market policies that protect jobs and ensure economic stability. She asserted that South Africa will continue to advocate for decent work, robust labour protections, and equitable economic opportunities for all.
In closing, Meth reminded delegates that the decisions made at the meeting would shape the future of work for millions worldwide, emphasizing that efforts must translate into tangible, measurable improvements in people’s lives.