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SOUTH AFRICA
- Rising inflation
South Africa is experiencing tight economic conditions with inflation rising to almost 10%. This is putting pressure on companies which will result in more downsizing and potential increase in unemployment.
- AIDS
The South African government has taken a decision to make Neverapin available to HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce the risk of mother to child infection. Organisations are faced with increasing pressure on retirement funds and medical aid due to a high preponderance of AIDS-related deaths.
- Labour laws
The Promotion of Access to Information Act and amendments to the Labour Relations Act pose new challenges to companies due to requirements for greater transparency when transferring an undertaking or when selling a business and resulting retrenchments.
- 46th Annual Convention
IPM in South Africa held its 46th Annual Convention at Sun City in August with Professor Stephane Garelli from IMD as the keynote speaker and Africa's own astronaut Mark Shuttleworth sharing his lessons. The next convention is scheduled for August 2003 at Sun City.
- NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development)
IPM has been invited to be part of Business for NEPAD initiative and provide strategic HR input that will contribute to the success of NEPAD.
ZAMBIA
In Zambia globalisation has resulted in capital flight, closure of companies and a brain drain particularly among the most sought after professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers etc. In some cases, it has resulted in dislocation of organisational structures which are neither local nor foreign, posing among other things regulatory problems in the event of ethical and professional aberrations.
We are working on strengthen ties with other regional and international associations.
We recently held a very successful annual convention, which was attended by more than 240 delegates.
KENYA
- Redundancies
The economy, especially the manufacturing sector, has collapsed resulting in high levels of unemployment. IPM(K) is trying to help protect the interests of employees through observance of statutory requirements, unemployment separation counselling and training of those leaving in entrepreneurship skills for self employment.
- Reform of labour legislation
Mamy of the current labour laws have colonial origins. For a number of years IPM(K) together with other interested parties have been pressing for the review and updating of these laws. Recently a commission to review the laws has been set up under the chairmanship of the Judge of the Industrial Court. The commission has started receiving submissions.
- Business and professional ethics
Corporate governance is in a poor state with widespread corruption. Citizens are pushing for change and a return to good governance. Professional groups are leading the country in an effort to raise the level of ethics in the public service. We are participating in the efforts by the Association of Professional Societies to develop corporate governance guidelines. IPM is also revising its own code of Professional Conduct.
- HIV/AIDS
The negative impact of HIV/AIDS is experienced by employers through loss of key staff, high medical expenses and loss of productivity due to employee sickness and stress. The Kenya Federation of Employers has been coordinating the efforts to manage the problem in the work place. To supplement this effort and that of the National Council on HIV/AIDS, a group of leading employers have formed a Business Council for developing and implementing strategies for combating the negative impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The programme targets employees, their families and the communities. Needless to say IPM members are playing a leading role in this initiative.
- Professionalising HRM in Kenya
The key role of HR practitioners in managing the business is now generally recognised. In an effort to respond effectively to the increasing demand for professionally qualified and competent HR practitioners, IPM has embarked on the enhancement of its current professional education programme by introducing a Masters Programme, working in collaboration with Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture and Technology. We expect the programme to start in 2003.
- 6th Annual Convention
IPM(K) held its 6th National HRM Convention (two days) in October 2002.
SWAZILAND
IPM Swaziland held a two-day Convention from 29-30 October 2002 with the theme ‘Globalisation – its impact on HR in Southern Africa and Swaziland’. It was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Khoza, and prominent speakers included leaders of Swaziland’s largest trade union federations and business representatives.
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