Discussions with a delegation from South Africa

© S. Kögler

On 28 October 2011, Dr Ralf Brauksiepe, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, welcomed a delegation from South Africa accompanied by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Led by Dennis George, General Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) and Dr Werner Böhler (KAS), the seven-person delegation consisted of representatives from the media, universities, think tanks and associations. Their interest during the discussions focused on Germany’s social market economy model which has proved so successful, particularly in times of crisis.

Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Brauksiepe began by underlining how, since last year, the close relations between Germany and South Africa have also been reflected in concrete bilateral cooperation between the South African Department of Labour and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. On the German side, the Nuremberg-based Federal Employment Agency is also playing a part in this cooperation. Dr Brauksiepe drew a line from the social market economy and its success in Germany for decades to the recent challenges posed by the financial and economic crisis.

In this regard, the programme to increase the levels of short-time work during the crisis, which was backed jointly by employees, employers and the government, was of major interest to the delegation.

Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Brauksiepe emphasised the fact that the upturn in Germany’s economy, both in the long term and at present, would have been inconceivable without a system of well-functioning social partnership based on trust. However, an effective economy, which starts off by creating the scope for revenue to be distributed in a way which allows for inclusive growth, is essential in creating social prosperity, he stated. The will of political and economic decision makers to let the population as a whole share in the success of the economy must also be present, added Dr Brauksiepe.

One key conclusion to be drawn from the crisis, he stressed, was that international employment and social policy would in future need to be managed at the same level as financial and economic policy. Dr Brauksiepe was pleased that South Africa and Germany have together been advocating such a move for a long time now, most notably in the G20 and the International Labour Organization (ILO).  

The South African delegation then described the problems currently facing its country, and which have been exacerbated by the crisis. Despite the ongoing economic success of South Africa, these problems should not be overlooked. Growing social inequality, a shortage of adequate education and training for all, an absence of social partnership in some areas, as well as inadequate administrative structures and a lack of trust in the state are the main issues topping the list of problems.

During talks held with further experts from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the visitors were able to discuss practical examples of key aspects of the social market economy in Germany.

Trade union leader Dennis George and his delegation agreed with Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Brauksiepe that the intensive contacts currently in place between the two countries should also be expanded in the area of employment and social policy. This will not only enable both sides to learn from one another but also to discuss bilateral and international matters.