Volume: Volume 2(1) - 1998

Article type: Refereed article

Author/s: Gostner, Karl and Joffe, Avril

Gostner and Joffe examine the agenda for co-determinationat the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). NEDLAC is an almost unique statutory body enabling labour, business and other constituencies of civil society to participate directly in the formulation of policy and law before its is presented to Parliament.

The article offers insight into the practical ramifications of co-determination at this level. The authors draw a balance sheet between the gains achieved by labour, both in terms of outcomes and process, and the constraints which inhibit its optimal engagement. Though capacity problems are experienced not only by labour but also by business and the state, the authors highlight the danger of labour becoming confined to a role of reacting to an agenda set by the state.

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