Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile on the 30th NEDLAC Annual Summit, Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg

Programme Director, Ms Lebohang Litha;
Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth;
Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Labour, Hon. Boyce Makhosonke Maneli;
Executive Director of NEDLAC, Mr Makhukhu Mampuru;
Leaders from organised business and labour, civil society formations and Government representatives;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; 

As we mark the 30th Annual Nedlac Summit, it is worthwhile to evaluate our progress in relation to the objectives that motivated the establishment of this significant forum.

The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) was established as a platform through which government, labour, business and community organisations engage in social dialogue, and seek to cooperate, through problem-solving and negotiation, on economic, labour, development issues and other related challenges facing our country.

We are therefore gathered here to Celebrate 30 Years of Social Dialogue and Planning for the Future. We must recognise Nedlac's significant contribution to alleviating unemployment, economic inequity, and poverty through inclusive economic development over the last three decades. 

Over the years, Nedlac has played a central role in shaping policies that are designed to improve the socio-economic advancement of South Africa. However, we must acknowledge that, together as social partners in this Council, we still have a huge responsibility to address persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.  

We have reached a milestone that necessitates for profound thought, self-correction, and responding to the call for all of us to pull together to strengthen areas where we have not done well. 

Nedlac's active role in influencing policies related to labour relations, training, skills development, social security, and various socio-economic matters over the past thirty years is commendable. 

This involvement has fostered collaboration among South Africans, advancing democracy, strengthening social dialogue, and addressing economic and labour market challenges.

When addressing the 4th Annual Summit, former President Nelson Mandela made the following observation: "Foremost among our challenges is job creation." Our democratic gains will remain fragile and our freedom shallow, if they do not bring real improvements in the lives of our people, especially the poor. All of us do recognise that job-creation is critical to the alleviation of poverty.”

It is concerning that, 26 years later, South Africa is still grappling with the same challenges as stated by former President Mandela. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2025 reveals persistent labour market disparities, with a national unemployment rate of 33.2%, with women bearing a heavier burden at 35.9% compared to 31.0% for men, a 4.9 percentage point difference.

This situation will further be aggravated by the implementation of 30% tariffs on South African exports to the US. The increase in US tariffs will continue to threaten the already unstable jobs in agriculture, automotive industry, manufacturing, and the mining sector, with a potential of wiping out thousands of jobs and livelihoods.

I am aware that this forum does not directly create jobs but rather promotes an enabling environment through measures such as sector-specific interventions, SME support, skills development programmes and employment initiatives.

That is why Nedlac must continue to intensify its efforts to provide oversight for Jobs Summit agreements, support small and medium-sized businesses and youth entrepreneurs, develop sector-specific interventions, and ensure labour market policies promote inclusive growth and decent work.

As social partners, we have the ability to alter the path and trajectory of our nations by uniting in pursuit of a collective objective, motivated by our shared values. As a nation, we must draw lessons from one another as we work to rejuvenate our economy, decrease unemployment, and foster inclusive growth.

Therefore, the National Dialogue, a people-centred initiative, is crucial for addressing the frustrations and needs of ordinary South Africans. It aims to unite South Africans, heal past wounds, and chart a common path forward. 

It is commendable that the First Convention of the National Dialogue, held from 15 to 16 August 2025 at the University of South Africa, was a successful event. The event brought together representatives from government, business, civil society, and various sectors to establish a foundation for a comprehensive national dialogue that will help take South Africa forward.

In the next few months, we must ensure that as a people, we emerge with a compact and consensus on a South Africa we want beyond 2030, likely aligning our vision with the Freedom Charter, which calls for us to establish a South Africa that belongs to everyone, Black and white.

The historical adoption of the Freedom Charter, an initiative led by Professor Z.K. Matthews, and current National Dialogues exemplify consistency in a unified effort to galvanise individuals and organisations towards shared national objectives. The National Dialogue is rooted in the principles and praxis of the Freedom Charter, a legacy that defines the country's aspirations for an improved future.

As we consider the history of our past and what we seek to achieve as a nation, this year's theme, "Advancing solidarity, equality, and sustainability in the economy and labour market," is both significant and relevant.

What we need to be honest about is that the journey towards true solidarity, equality, and sustainability is still lengthy and challenging but achievable. This journey demands steadfast dedication, courageous actions, and a shared vision that goes beyond personal interests.

In this sense, solidarity means recognising that our country's progress depends on our capacity to support the most vulnerable members of society. It unites society as a moral requirement, bridging gaps and building a fair future in a world of escalating inequities and dividing forces.

Moreover, solidarity is crucial for collective action in South Africa, enabling conflict resolution and sustainable policy development. Solidarity guarantees the hearing and respect of diverse voices from government, labour, business, and the community, thereby promoting consensus-building and cooperation.

Our duty is to nurture and amplify the spirit of solidarity in every decision we make, every policy we enact, and every interaction we engage in. I must highlight that Nedlac has been instrumental in promoting worker solidarity through collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and extending protections to non-standard employees.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we continue to embark on this journey towards planning for the future, we must all play a collective role towards advancing inclusive economic growth and social equity. 

On 10 May 2024, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation launched the Nedlac 30-Year Project. The aim of this project is to reflect on the 30 years of South Africa's democracy, analyse achievements and lessons learned from 1994-2024, and come up with firm proposals to plan for the future.

We are optimistic that the Nedlac 30-Year Project will, among other things, come up with proposals that will assist government to fast-track programmes that aimed at improving energy efficiency, infrastructure development, local government reforms, freight logistics, public transport, and digital transformation. In this regard, the Nedlac 30-Year Project should assist government to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms aimed at achieving faster, more inclusive, and sustained economic growth as envisaged by Operation Vulindlela.

We must concentrate our efforts to promoting equality. This should entail the dismantling of systemic barriers that sustain discrimination and exclusion, thereby establishing equal opportunities for all.

The founding declaration of Nedlac emphasises growth, equity, and participation. As social partners, it is our responsibility to ensure greater social equity in the workplace and communities, address large-scale inequalities, and provide basic needs for all people, thereby promoting growth and participation.

Through Nedlac’s dialogue and engagements, we have advanced workplace transformation and improved employment equity as mandated by the Employment Equity Act (EEA). 

The Nedlac social dialogue has resulted in amendments to labour law and initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, all of which focus on promoting affirmative action to foster a more equitable workforce.

With the revised Employment Equity Act, we are determined to address the slow pace of transformation, particularly in relation to Black Africans and their representation at senior levels in workplaces. 

We are pleased that, in accordance with rules and sectoral objectives released by the Department of Employment and Labour, all businesses with 50 or more workers have started submitting their 2025 Employment Equity (EE) reports as of September 1st.

This will bring a major shift and much-needed transformation in our society with inclusion for equal opportunities for all South Africans, regardless of race and gender and should be taken seriously, as it does not guarantee job loss for any worker.

We also understand that equality will require us to accelerate our efforts in skills development, youth empowerment, and bridging the gap between rural and urban economies. As such, on the 29th of August, we launched the Jet Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, which are pillars of South Africa's Just Energy Transition Skills Portfolio.

The launch is implemented due to our acknowledgement of the need for a comprehensive plan that encompasses educational reform and skilled labour. We seek to ensure that all South Africans, particularly those living in coal-dependent and underprivileged regions, can engage in the green economy.

Thus, we refer to sustainability as the notion of fulfilling the demands of the current generation without jeopardising the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs, which includes a harmonious combination of environmental, social, and economic factors.

The Just Transition framework provides us with an opportunity to shift to a low-carbon economy while protecting jobs and communities for the future. Business, labour, and the government must continue to work together to balance energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate justice.

In summary, the theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", which is also the G20 theme, aligns with South Africa’s foreign policy priorities and the African philosophy of ubuntu – I am because you are.  It provides us with a unique opportunity to confront the critical issue as a collective in the African continent.

In our pursuit of global sustainable development, we will take into account the necessity of maintaining a balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship to address the current requirements of the world and future generations.

Through the G20 Engagement Groups, we are strengthening ties and expanding dialogue with civil society and non-governmental organisations. This is because we believe that collaboration across the global community is critical as we work to address our most serious issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

Allow me to conclude by highlighting that through various initiatives, Nedlac has played a central role in advancing social dialogue that underpins democratic governance. The work done here has contributed to stability in the labour market, inclusive policymaking, and shaped reforms such as retirement savings, employment equity, and energy transition policies.

As we look ahead, Nedlac’s role in driving consensus will be critical to navigating global uncertainties and domestic economic challenges.

I call upon all the constituencies – business, labour, community, and government – to deepen the spirit of partnership. Let us reaffirm our commitment to shared growth, inclusive transformation, and sustainable development.

As we mark the 30th Annual Summit, let us celebrate the progress we have made but also recommit to the hard work that lies ahead. Together, through commitment to solidarity, equality, and sustainability, we can build an economy and labour market that reflects the aspirations of all South Africans.

I thank you.