Promoting Resilience through Collaboration: Insights from the 28th Nedlac Annual Summit

The Importance of Collaboration in Building Resilience

In today’s world, where crises and challenges abound, building resilience is more important than ever. The 28th Nedlac Annual Summit, held recently, highlighted the need for collaboration among social partners to address and adapt to crisis-type situations. Whether the challenges are caused by climate change, natural disasters, failing infrastructure, or other unforeseen events, collaboration is key to building resilience among social partners and society as a whole.

Nedlac: Promoting Social Partnering and Combating Uncertainty

Nedlac, a reputable institution under the Department of Employment and Labour, has been at the forefront of promoting social partnering and combating uncertainty. The summit was graced by Minister Thulas Nxesi, who welcomed the Deputy President of South Africa, His Excellency Paul Mashatile, as well as newly joined social partner bodies such as the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) and the Presidential Climate Change (PCC) Commissioners. The partnership with the PCC is expected to foster synergies between social partnering and climate change efforts.

Reflecting on Nedlac’s Performance and Addressing Social Partner Roles

The summit had a two-fold mission: reflecting on Nedlac’s performance and addressing the role of social partners in responding to crisis-type situations. The Annual Report highlighted a well-managed organization that received an unqualified audit, indicating a job well done. However, progress in labor market reform has been slow, and Minister Nxesi expressed his disappointment that proposed amendments to improve labor market efficiency without compromising worker rights have not yet been agreed upon. In addition to its focus on policy input, Nedlac has not neglected pressing issues requiring social partner collaboration.

Initiatives for Collaborative Action

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nedlac established a rapid response task team and worked on addressing high food and fuel prices. These initiatives showcased the organization’s dedication to tackling challenges that directly impact the lives of South Africans. Nedlac has also taken steps towards becoming “fit for purpose” by reviewing its Act, Constitution, and protocols, aiming to strengthen its processes and broaden its reach. These revisions are expected to pave the way for more robust discussions and increased influence on policy and legislative changes.

Building Resilience in Response to Crisis-Type Situations

The second focus of the summit was on building resilience in response to crisis-type situations. In his address, Minister Nxesi emphasized the importance of collaboration in building resilience, stating that it is not about avoiding challenges, but rather about having the skills and resources to address them when they arise. By working together, social partners can contribute to a brighter and more hopeful future.

The Nedlac Annual Summit highlighted the critical role that resilience and collaboration play in today’s ever-changing world. With continued dedication from government colleagues, social partners, and the secretariat, Nedlac remains a beacon of light, guiding the path towards a more resilient and collaborative society.