Question NW2620 to the President of the Republic

Share this page:

19 September 2022 - NW2620

Profile picture: McGluwa, Mr JJ

McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the President of the Republic

With reference to his reply to question 2134 on 23 June 2022, what is the status of the negotiations to finalise a social compact to create jobs within the context of the National Economic Development and Labour Council as a statutory forum for social dialogue including all social partners?

Reply:

Given the severe economic and social challenges our country is facing, government has been working with social partners towards consensus on the key tasks that we need to undertake together to address these challenges.

While all of the constituencies represented in the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) – government, organised business, organised labour and the community constituency – share common objectives, they represent different interests, which must be taken into consideration.

The negotiations are continuing in earnest. We have almost finalised a ‘Framework for a Social Compact in South Africa’. The foundation of the social compact is a recommitment to the accelerated implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

These negotiations have not prevented government from forging ahead with the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and far-reaching economic reforms in key network sectors.

Social partners are working towards finalising priority interventions on energy, transport and logistics, expanding infrastructure investment, support for SMMEs, fighting crime and corruption, social protection and expanding public employment programmes for the unemployed.

We remain committed to achieve a sustainable, inclusive and responsive social compact to support and accelerate our economic recovery.

Source file