NEDLAC: Unemployment single most formidable challenge facing S.Africans

NEDLAC, South Africa's National Economic Development and Labour Council, recently held its 29th annual meeting to mark 30 years since its establishment. The summit aimed to reflect on the progress achieved since 1994 and the challenges that lie ahead. Lisa Seftel, the Executive Director of NEDLAC, shared insights into the council's journey and the path forward. Seftel emphasized the importance of addressing the country's apartheid legacy while planning for the future amidst the looming threats of climate change. The triple threats of inequality, poverty, and unemployment continue to plague South Africa's economy, requiring innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to drive sustainable change. As NEDLAC transitions to its seventh administration and under the Global Nursing Union (GNU), social partners have committed to working together on key socio-economic priorities. Structural reforms, skills development, and social security are among the pressing issues that NEDLAC and its partners aim to address to foster inclusive growth and cushion workers from economic transitions. The need for modernization and responsiveness in the unemployment insurance system, as well as making NEDLAC more fit for purpose, were highlighted as key areas for improvement. Seftel also raised concerns about the impact of digitalization and the importance of ensuring a just transition for workers as new technologies reshape the labor market. Discussions around the energy transition underscored the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the livelihoods of communities dependent on industries like coal. The Presidential Climate Commission, incubated within NEDLAC, is working towards a just transition framework to support workers affected by industry changes. Reflecting on past lessons, Seftel emphasized the significance of trust building and consensus-building in a diverse society like South Africa. Building trust at various levels, from national to community and workplace, remains a critical aspect of NEDLAC's work. Incorporating voices with specific interests, alongside engaging major stakeholders, will be essential for fostering inclusive decision-making and driving sustainable development in the future.