GDS IMPLEMENTATION TO TOP THE AGENDA

At its first meeting for the year, Nedlac's Management Committee agreed that the work programme for the year would be dominated by ongoing work relating to the Growth and Development Summit (GDS) Agreement.

The Committee also received reports on activities that have been undertaken by the constituencies in line with Growth and Development Summit commitments.

The meeting reflected on the milestone agreement that had been reached between the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union, (Sactwu), and various retailers and finance houses, emanating out of a Section 77 notice of possible protest action that Sactwu tabled at Nedlac last year. Most of the country's major clothing retailers agreed to work with Sactwu to increase the level of local procurement in their stores. Over and above this, they committed to only buying from factories which comply with labour law, and to introducing a label of origin on their clothing products. This is in line with agreements reached in the GDS regarding local procurement. (see story on page 2) The constituencies noted the Fashion Festival organised by Sactwu in December, which, by promoting the local clothing and textile industry, also forms part of their GDS commitments.

Further on the GDS commitment to creating employment by promoting local procurement, the constituencies all took part in a Proudly South African "Buy Local" Christmas campaign (see The Proudly South African campaign update).

Business reported that they could confirm that the Business Trust will continue, and that its mandate will be GDS-related issues, particularly support for the Expanded Public Works Programme, and Enterprise Development.

Government's push on skills development, and particularly on learnerships was welcomed, as well as the Employment Equity awareness campaign, which was agreed to in the GDS.

The constituencies agreed that the 20 February Executive Council meeting would focus on the national budget, and will receive a presentation by the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel. In terms of the agreement that the Executive Council will conduct an annual review of the GDS agreements, the May Executive Council meeting will be dedicated to the GDS. In the interim, there will be regular reports on GDS implementation to the Chambers and other structures of Nedlac.