The BWI Africa and Middle East Regional Presidium held on 10th April 2018 in Johannesburg revisited the BWI 4th Congress outcome and agreed on the need to strengthen the region. The discussions included regional developments, Congress outcome, preparation for World Board Meeting and AFRECO. The need for regional unity and strengthening the region was the centre of the discussion as this will help to create an autonomous and strong region.
In his opening remarks the Regional President Abdel Monem El Gamal congratulated the region for successfully hosting a World Class Congress that will always be in the minds of BWI affiliates in years to come, he extended gratitude to the host unions and more important to all affiliates and leaders in the region for electing him Regional President. The NUM Youth Leader & Regional Youth Committee Vice-Chairperson, Lebohang Ramabolu on behalf of the host affiliates welcomed members of the Regional Presidium to South Africa, as a result of congress outcome which speaks on autonomous strong regions, involvement of Women and youth, the Regional Presidium supported the need for affiliates in the region to increase affiliation fees in order to ensure the region is strengthened.
The Regional Presidium also investigated the challenges facing the region among them the issues of violation of workers’ rights by MNCs such as Lafarge-Holcim, sub-contracting, short term contracts, stoppage of projects due to lack of funding, casualisation among others. The regional action plan in line with the global plan and strategic plan was discussed, the Presidium highlighted the need for innovative organising and membership retention.
The Regional Presidium took note of the enormous work before the region in this Congress period and urged for unity, cooperation and support for weaker affiliates in this process of Regionalisation and call for Global Solidarity.
In taking note of the Global and Regional event for 2018 – 2021 to be hosted by our Region, as well as missions to be undertaken, The Regional Presidium congratulated the General Secretary Ambet Yuson for China Mission and look forward to the outcome.
A solidarity message was extended to Wendt Workers in the USA in their Struggle with the Company.
The participants in the meeting were Abdel Monem El Gamal Regional President, Amechi Festus Asungwuni Vice-President, Oloka Mesilamu Vice-President, Crecentia Mofokeng Regional Representative, Elizabeth Amuto Chairperson for Regional Women Committee, Lebohang Ramabolu Vice-Chairperson for Regional Youth Committee, Justina Jonas Emvula Member of World Board, Ndessomin Dosso, Regional Finance Officer, Wassim Rifi MENA Project Coordinator and Garikanai Shoko Regional Education Officer.