Professor Imraan Valodia appointed Chair of National Minimum Wage Commission
- Wits University
Professor Valodia's appointment stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
Professor Imraan Valodia, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Climate, Sustainability, and Inequality, and Director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the second National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi.
The appointment follows a consultative process with stakeholders from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and its effective from 1 February 2024, until 31 January 2029. The Commission is tasked with advising on crucial matters such as the national minimum wage and sectoral determinations, marking a significant step in South Africa's pursuit of fair labour practices and economic justice.
Replacing Professor Adriaan van der Walt, Valodia is one of the four independent candidates within the 13-member Commission. His appointment underscores the government's commitment to promoting economic development and social justice through the NMW Act.
“I truly appreciate Vialodia's willingness to serve on the Commission, and I trust that he will make a valuable contribution to its function until the term of office expires, “ said Nxesi.
Valodia has played a pivotal role in establishing and leading Wits University's Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS). The SCIS is a multi-disciplinary, cross-country initiative to promote research and policy change to advance greater equality.
His extensive research portfolio encompasses themes such as inequality, climate justice, competition policy, and industrial development, with a focus on employment in developing countries.
Valodia serves on a number of national committees in South Africa, including the Competition Tribunal, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, the National Minimum Wage Commission, and the Academy of Science of South Africa (Assaf) Standing Committee on Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality.
Internationally, Valodia serves on the following boards: the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD); UNAIDS Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics; Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising (WIEGO); and the Global Development Institute.
As he assumes the Chairmanship of the NMW Commission, Valodia's appointment stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact. With his leadership and expertise, the commission is poised to make significant strides in advancing economic development and social justice in South Africa.