The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) in South Africa is committed to resilience and collaboration in the face of global challenges and crises. The 28th NEDLAC Annual Summit recently took place, and Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi addressed the slow progress of labor market reform, urging participants to speed up their efforts.
Labor Law Reform Proposals
Proposals for labor law reform were tabled in early 2021, aiming to reach an agreement within six to eight months. The proposals aimed to improve the functioning of the Labour Court and collective bargaining to ensure workers’ rights. However, Nxesi lamented that the process is ongoing and now too late for the current parliamentary cycle.
Navigating the Changing World of Work
The changing world of work, with non-standard employment relations such as the gig economy and remote work, requires NEDLAC to intensify dialogue. Furthermore, Nxesi expressed concern about the sluggish processes in labor courts, compromising workers with unresolved cases for up to four years due to a lack of judges.
NEDLAC’s Achievements
Despite these obstacles, Nxesi praised NEDLAC’s achievements, including the launch of a report on a rapid response task team established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council also sought to extend this approach to address high food and fuel prices, a vital issue with implications for hunger and poverty. Additionally, NEDLAC received an unqualified audit for the 2022/23 financial year, showing improvement from previous years.
Progress Towards a Stronger Framework
Nxesi emphasized NEDLAC’s progress towards becoming “fit for purpose” through a review of its Act, Constitution, and protocols. A stronger framework for discussing laws and policies bolsters NEDLAC’s influence on changes down the line, including in Parliament. However, he cautioned that changes to representativity should not diminish the stature of significant stakeholders in the economy and labor market.
Building Resilience
Citing the need for resilience in the face of adversity, Nxesi called upon the Summit to respond and build resilience to crisis-type situations, including the recent gas explosion in Johannesburg. This requires a new approach to occupational health and safety as the scope of disasters increases. Nxesi expressed his belief that collaboration at NEDLAC could build greater resilience in society.
NEDLAC’s Role in Shaping the Nation’s Labor Legislation
South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, also acknowledged NEDLAC’s long history in fostering dialogue and its role in shaping the nation’s labor legislation. He noted that while the unemployment rate has declined to 32.6%, progress remains slow. Mashatile challenged the social partners to put aside ideological differences and address the ticking time bomb of inequality and poverty.
Exploring Alternatives to Consensus-Building
Business representative Cas Coovadia emphasized that the country cannot afford to reach a social compact at all costs and must explore alternatives to consensus-building. This conviction underscores the need for NEDLAC to grow and adapt.
NEDLAC: A Beacon of Hope and Collaboration
The 28th NEDLAC Annual Summit, themed “Resilience in the face of adversity: Social partner’s preparedness for crises”, showcased the determination of government, labor, business, and community organizations to cooperate on economic, labor, and developmental issues. As South Africa grapples with an ever-changing landscape, NEDLAC stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration in navigating adversity.
