MESSAGE FROM THE OVERALL COMMUNITY CONVENOR - GODFREY
JACK
In the past five years, Nedlac has made a significant
contribution towards promoting participation in socio-economic
policy making in South Africa. During this period under our first
democratically elected government, the need for participatory
decision-making on policy issues remained critical. In particular,
Nedlac has concluded important labour market agreements, which have
resulted in the promulgation of the Labour Relations Act, Basic
Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, to name a
few.
The Development Chamber, in which we remained active, has also
grown to tackle important issues such as the Crime Campaign,
Masakhane Campaign, Water Laws, Community-based job creation.
As we enter the next term of democratic government, we are faced
with the expectations of jointly implementing the many policies
which are now firmly in place, to reach out to our provinces and
local levels. Doing this requires a greater level of co-ordination
at national level in order to optimise resources.
On the other hand, we are faced with increasing volatility of
international markets. Our policies will be tested against this
phenomenon.
To move ahead requires extra-ordinary efforts from all our
people, in particular from organised structures and their
leadership, to know where and by when to wage struggles and where
to act in national unison. Joblessness, crime and poverty in our
country can only be defeated by a united action from government,
business, labour and community organisations. Exogenous factors
require a unity beyond our national borders. It is within this
context that we must actively support the notion of African
Renaissance. For South Africa, the first stage is to become a
dynamic member of the region.
There are also pertinent issues that fall within Nedlac and are
therefore important to resolve. These include the need for making
space for community participation in other chambers, the need to
spell out the Nedlac negotiations process, mechanism to resolve
deadlocks, and of course, appointing an Executive Director.
With all these challenges, we remain confident that the country
will enter the next millenium on solid ground.