THETO MAHLAKOANA: Structure of Nedlac keeps vital voices away from the table
The poor, unemployed and some unions have no platform at the council to contribute to the country's most pressing issues
The recent jobs summit has demonstrated once again the crucial need for a social pact and continuous social dialogue in SA, where more often than not parties in pursuit of the same goals act against each others' interests. However, for millions of others taking part in the discussions shaping the country’s reaction to some of its biggest challenges to date — sky-high unemployment and a declining economy — remains a pipe dream. This is because — unlike institutions that have been reviewed to be fit for purpose — the country’s social dialogue forum, the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), remains set in its regressive ways. Established under the Nedlac Act of 1994, the consensus-seeking body formed to facilitate co-operation on economic, labour and developmental issues is now responsible for keeping key voices away from the negotiations table, rather than at it . When it was formed in 1995 the country’s different groupings — business, organised labour and commun...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.