NEDLAC

Question 1

What does NEDLAC stand for?

Answer 1

The National Economic Development and Labour Council

Question 2

What are NEDLAC’s objectives?

Answer 2

Promotes economic growth, participation in decision making and social equality

Strives for consensus and to come to agreements on matters affecting social and economic policy

Considers all proposed legislation relating to labour market policy before it is presented to Parliament

Considers all important changes to social and economic policy before they are implemented or presented to Parliament

Encourages and promotes the formulation of coordinated policy on social and economic affairs

Question 3

What is NEDLAC stipulated to do?

Answer 3

-Make such investigations as it may consider necessary.
-Continually survey and analyse social and economic affairs.
-Keep abreast of international developments in social and economic policy.
-Continually evaluate the effectiveness of legislation and policy affecting social and economic policy.
-Conduct research into social and economic policy.
-Work in close cooperation with departments of State, statutory bodies, programmes and other forums, and non-governmental agencies engaged in the formulation and implementation of social and economic policy.
-Propose amendments to new and amended legislation

Question 4

How does the NEDLAC function?

Answer 4

The founding document says it shall be a representative and consensus-seeking body where the parties will seek to reach agreement through negotiation and discussion based on proper mandates.

Constituencies themselves decide on the agenda. Issues are first discussed at chamber level, to be referred to executive council for final decision making.

It is able to conduct research and make investigations.

Mechanisms are in place to relate to other bodies relevant to its work such as the Financial and Fiscal Commission and the South African Reserve Bank.

Question 5

Who are the four major stakeholders in South African society that participate in NEDLAC?

Answer 5

Organised labour: represented by COSATU, NACTU and FEDUSA

Organised business: represented by BUSA

Government: represented by the Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Public Works, as well as National Treasury

A number of organisations that make up the community representation: such as the National Women’s Coalition, the South African National Civics Organisation, the South African Youth Council, Disabled People of South Africa, the National Cooperatives Association of South Africa, and the Financial Sector Campaign Coalition