Emcoz annual congress resolutions
AFTER a two day catharsis and engagement the Emcoz 2020 Annual Congress developed key resolutions for implementation
Social dialogue/TNF
Having noted the importance of social dialogue and having outlined the success stories achieved in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Morocco, South Africa, Switzerland among others and having noted the opportunities the dialogue potential and opportunities available, the Congress resolved the following: •
Social partners to fully engage towards the expeditious full operationalisation of the TNF through the establishment of an independent secretariat and operational procedures;
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Having noted the national high country risk posed by myriad socio-economic and socio-political factors, the congress resolved to initiate the processes of developing a new social contract;
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Having noted the relevance of the Kadoma Declaration a document that had been crafted by the social partners and launched by the former President/Head of State and having noted the similarities in the macro environment, the congress resolved to revisit the basic tenets of the declaration in and customize to the current environment and implement the same;
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Having made an observation that the nation has no agreed recovery plan through the TNF process as compared to other countries like South Africa it was resolved that any national recovery plan needed the consensus and buy-in of social partners.
Labour market and policy
Having noted the rapid changes in the labour market landscape notwithstanding the fact that a labour amendment Act is already in the pipeline of the law making process and cognisant of the fact that there are serious changes arising out Covid-19 initially not conceived when the principles of the labour policy were formulated; the Minister agreed and congress noted the need to expedite the process.
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In view of the need to input other changes that incorporate the new normal into the Bill, the Minister further committed to and congress noted the necessity of providing a window for further input into the Bill notwithstanding that preparations for presentation to cabinet and parliament respectively are already underway;
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It was resolved that the social partners present further positions on other areas for further input into the Bill in view of the changes
Policy and development
Having observed instances of policy inconsistencies in the past and having observed the limited scope of consultation and its impact on the ease of doing business and investment attraction, the congress resolved among others to: -
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Lobby and advocate for a policy environment that promotes business viability and sustainability as well as recovery from the current covid-19 pandemic .
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Business to participate in national policy development through the TNF and other for a so as to promote tripartism and inclusivity in national economic policy formulation
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Business to constantly engage government and use moral suasion as a strategy to influence positive change in national policy discourse.
Corruption and risk factor
Lamenting the high level of corruption in the country and having noted that it was now the biggest “Achilles heel” for national development; the congress resolved the need for business to be accountable and to promote accountability at the national level and lobby as well as use all the available platforms of dealing with corruption including participation in the ZACC initiated national task force to combat corruption.
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e congress resolved for advocating and lobbying for a culture of fiscal discipline and accountability together with good corporate governance in public and private entities.
Building back better (BBB)
Having noted the need for rebuilding and restructuring the business models in line with the fast changing working environment brought about by Covid-19 and the Industry 4.0, the congress encouraged business to have adaptability mechanism through the embracing of technological advancements and embracing digital transformation as a way of doing business in order to achieve efficiencies and better productivity.