Business organisation Business Unity South Africa (Busa) notes with concern the decision by the South African government to withdraw its support for the candidature of Professor Mthunzi Mdwaba as director-general of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
"This is a shocking turn of events because the South African government had not only supported Mdwaba’ s candidature, but had actively promoted and sponsored it.
"Based on such sponsorship by the government, Busa and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) labour constituency supported the candidature. Mdwaba has substantial support on the African continent and has the support of the International Organisation of Employers," says Busa CEO Cas Coovadia.
"His nomination has already been accepted by the ILO and nominations have closed. His candidature is an excellent opportunity for Africa to have an African in the position of director-general of the ILO.
"Busa will continue to support Mdwaba’ s candidature and we urge the government to reconsider its position," he said.