Business Eswatini Urges Establishment of Comprehensive Social Protection Policy

In a bid to address the diverse needs of vulnerable groups and foster inclusivity, Business Eswatini (BE) has called on the government to establish an overarching social security policy framework.

BE Vice President of Industrial Relations and Social Policy Committee, Andrew Le Roux, emphasized the importance of prioritizing inclusivity to effectively tackle poverty and vulnerability. He stressed the need for a coherent and comprehensive social protection framework that goes beyond workers to encompass all citizens.

Le Roux, who also serves as Montigny Investments CEO, highlighted concerns about the current immigration framework’s impact on skilled professionals’ entry and stay in the country. He noted that the fragmented arrangements and associated administrative burdens hindered economic competitiveness and investment promotion efforts.

Despite BE’s diligent efforts to address these issues through legal remedies and communication with relevant government departments, Le Roux expressed disappointment with the government’s reluctance to streamline social protection efforts.

BE proposed streamlining these efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and align with national development goals. Le Roux emphasized the importance of a unified framework in mobilizing local and foreign investments to accelerate job creation and drive economic growth.

The establishment of a comprehensive social protection policy, according to BE, is essential for leaving no citizen behind and fostering a more inclusive and resilient society in Eswatini.