INSIDE VIEW
MIKE SILUMA: ‘New economy’ needs new labour relations deal
The basis and nature of industrial relations in SA by definition place capital and labour permanently on opposite sides
In an economy hit by double-digit contraction, battered by a 42% jobless rate and languishing in junk status, what should the key sector stakeholders — organised labour and business — be doing to lift SA out of the morass? President Cyril Ramaphosa, renowned proponent of social compacts, thinks they should be holding hands and making common cause in order to turn the economy around and set it on a path of rapid growth and development. His advocacy of social contracting and promotion of inclusive solutions may seem, to many, like fiddling in a time of crisis.
The impatience with his approach is understandable in a country that has endured years of poor leadership and deteriorating economic fortunes. But he is probably right. History shows that in many countries that have successfully made tectonic policy changes in relatively short periods of time, change has been driven by a single-minded dictator or an authoritarian political party — on occasion both...
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.