By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile delivered a keynote address at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 30th Annual Summit.
The summit took place at the NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel in Gauteng Province.
Convened under the theme “Advancing solidarity, equality and sustainability in the economy and the labour market”, the Summit provides an opportunity for a larger delegation of NEDLAC social partners from organised business, community, government, and organised labour, as well as other stakeholders, to gather and deliberate on socio-economic issues.
Nedlac was established as a forum where the government, labour, business and community constituencies deliberate on policies with wide-ranging implications for South Africa’s socio-economic development.
The 2025 the summit comes ahead of South, which has the current presidency of the G20, hosting the annual heads of state summit in November amid a challenging domestic and global economic environment.
Mashatile, said the country and its partners, including African Union member states and those in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, were collaborating on solutions.
“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,” he said.
“We are strengthening ties and expanding dialogue with civil society and non-governmental organisations, 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.”
Delegates highlighted South Africa’s slow economic growth, which has hobbled the creation of much needed jobs in a country with a high unemployment rate especially among young people. They called for more robust reforms and policies to address this and manage the just transition to cleaner energy.
In the second quarter of 2025, unemployment edged up to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025 from 32.9% in the previous quarter, while of the 10.1 million people aged 15 to 24, 35.2% were not in employment, education or training during the period. Based on the expanded definition of unemployment — which includes discouraged jobseekers — the rate was even higher at 42.9% compared with 43.1% during the first quarter of 2025.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth announced that the Nedlac Bill 2025, which seeks to repeal the Nedlac Act of 1994, will go to Cabinet for approval, on Wednesday, to publish for public engagement.
She said this was a “great milestone”, underscoring that Nedlac had achieved successes amid challenges: from shaping labour law reforms to strengthening dispute resolution and incorporating community representation into national dialogues.
Meth highlighted that equality must extend beyond intent to measurable results.
In April, the Department of Employment and Labour published the Employment Equity Regulations, prescribing five-year equity plans with sector-specific numerical targets, including a 3% disability employment goal.
These are binding on designated employers from September 1.
She explained that these measures were not without debate, noting the Democratic Alliance and a few others launched a legal challenge, citing potential constitutional concerns and impact on investment.
The policy is a bold step toward dismantling the enduring racial and gender disparities that remain entrenched. The gender gap in graduate unemployment rates is 15% for women vs. 8.9% for men—this illuminates the urgency of institutional and cultural transformation,” she said.
She said these frameworks must be implemented with rigour and empathy, recognising that equality was a cultural shift as much as it is a legal mandate.
Mashatile also acknowledged the importance of Nedlac in promoting an enabling environment through sector-specific interventions, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, skills development programmes and employment initiatives.
“He said, 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,” he said.
He pointed to Nedlac’s capability to alter the country’s trajectory through collaboration and a shared objective.
“As a nation, we must draw lessons from one another as we work to rejuvenate our economy, decrease unemployment, and foster inclusive growth.