THE National Economic, Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) was one of the earliest creations of the new, hope-filled South Africa.The drafters of the 1994 legislation that established it saw it striving to attain consensus between business, labour, the government and the community on matters of public concern, particularly on the economy. Nedlac had mandates to consider labour-market and economic policies before they went to Parliament.For nearly 20 years, legislation has duly been submitted to Nedlac. Among its early successes were the agreements hammered out on the late 1990s package of new labour legislation, and new competition legislation. Social dialogue was working and the path seemed open to a social compact that would bring everyone together to heal South Africa’s socioeconomic ills.But it has been a long time since anyone had that kind of hope for Nedlac. The consultation process has become tortuous, especially if it’s about anything controversial. Nedlac is where poli...
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