DRAFT NEDLAC SUMMIT DECLARATION - 27 AUGUST 2005

1. The Nedlac parties - Government, Organised Labour, Organised Business and the Community Constituency - note that:

   1.1. Nedlac was launched on 18 February 1995, to bring together representatives from government, labour, business and the community to play a major role in the formulation of labour, social and economic policies.

   1.2. Over the past 10 years, the institution has played a crucial role in the
   development of aspects of public policy, the drafting of legislation and the fostering of social dialogue among key players. In this regard, Nedlac has contributed inter alia to:

   " Agreements on key policies and legislation covering labour relations, basic conditions of employment, employment equity, skills development, review of Competition Policy, the Masakhane Campaign, the National Water Bill and Water Services Bill, the Cooperatives Bill, guidelines for local economic development, to mention but a few.

   " The setting up of institutions such as the CCMA, Employment Conditions Commission, Trade and Investment South Africa, and the Labour Court.

   " The successful hosting of the Presidential Jobs Summit in 1998 and the Growth and Development Summit in 2003
   " The conclusion of Codes of Conduct, including on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, HIV/Aids.
   " Discussions and debates on the annual Budget presented by the Minister of Finance to parliament
   " Discussions on trade policy and the conclusion of an agreement on the link between trade and labour standards, developing country mandate on Bilateral and Multilateral trade negotiations
   " Hosting, facilitating or supporting a number of Summits including Retirement Fund Trustees, ICT and financial sectors."

   1.3. The institution has succeeded in establishing social dialogue as an accepted and invaluable part of South Africa's policy making system in a manner that upholds the philosophy of consensus seeking in decision making

   1.4. The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) occupies a place of honour among the key institutions that seek to entrench participatory democracy in our country.

2. The social partners recall that the Nedlac Act requires them to:

   2.1. Strive to promote the goals of economic growth, participation in economic decision making and social equity ;

   2.2. seek to reach consensus and conclude agreements on matters pertaining to social and economic policy;

   2.3. consider all proposed labour legislation relating to labour market policy before it is introduced in Parliament;

3. The parties further recall the medium to long term vision set out in the Declaration adopted at the 5th Nedlac Annual Summit in 2001, in which the constituencies committed to make South Africa

   3.1 The leading emerging market and destination of first choice for investors whilst retaining and expanding social equity and fair labour standards

   3.2 A productive economy with high levels of service, a highly skilled workforce and modern systems of work organisation and management

   3.3 A society in which there are economic opportunities for all, poverty is eradicated, income inequalities are reduced and basic services are available to all

   3.4 A society in which our people, our most precious resource, are given the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential

   3.5 A society that can promote the values of social equity, fairness and human dignity in the global economy.

4. The social partners recognise that the achievements of the institution over the last decade have become an inspiration to many other countries and that the Nedlac model has been emulated elsewhere.
5. Notwithstanding these significant achievements, the Nedlac social partners recognise that there remain a number of challenges ahead, including:

   5.1 Promoting and mobilising investment and creating decent work for all;

   5.2 Ensuring economic empowerment for all, especially for black people, workers, people with disabilities, women and youth;

   5.3 Eradicating poverty and addressing the legacy of under-development;

   5.4 Raising the growth rate to 6% over the next decade;

   5.5 Strategically engaging globalisation to the best advantage of the country.

   5.6 Enhancing awareness about the role of social dialogue - in South Africa and the entire African continent - on socio-economic matters.

6. To this end, Nedlac social partners commit to:

   6.1 Building and expanding social dialogue through Nedlac and resourcing the institution adequately.

   6.2 Developing a shared vision based on the consensus on policy set out in previous agreements and building thereon

   6.3 Addressing urgent challenges including selecting those that hold the promise of greatest possible impact in the shortest possible time for ;

   1. accelerated investment
   2. decent work for all through more and better jobs
   3. strong and sustainable growth,
   4. greater social equity and a fairer distribution of economic opportunities and rewards
   5. Expanded social development towards the quest of a better life for all.

6.4 Securing commitment and active participation of all constituencies in those areas identified for prioritised action

6.5 Accelerating the implementation of the Growth and Development Summit Agreements; and

6.6 Building tools of social dialogue at local levels and strengthening participation of constituencies in regional and international processes of social dialogue.

6.7 Creating awareness, nationally and in Africa, of the role played by social dialogue in social development, industrial stability, productivity, competitiveness, economic growth and securing decent work for all.