Dear Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.,

I welcome the Committee’s scrutiny of Nedlac’s processes, particularly the concerns raised around the representation of community stakeholders. It is indeed troubling that despite the foundational principle of inclusivity embedded in Nedlac's mandate, the community chamber continues to be side-lined in critical processes, including the referenced task team.

Ms. Dunjwa was right to question the omission of the community chamber in Nedlac’s concluding remarks. Recognising only business, labour, and government undermines the spirit of participatory democracy that Nedlac was established to uphold. As Mr. Mampuru noted, South Africa’s inclusion of community in tripartite forums is a unique and progressive model born out of CODESA, and it should not be treated as symbolic or optional.

Furthermore, the debt crisis facing SOEs is a pressing national concern. While Nedlac rightly stated that SOE financing models fall under the purview of their respective boards, it is not enough to leave these decisions insulated from broader social dialogue. Transparency and accountability must be central, especially when public funds are at stake through bailouts.

Lastly, the link between the proposed Bill and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, as highlighted by the Chairperson, deserves further clarification. Any legislation that impacts national financial instruments must be scrutinised for its long-term socio-economic implications.

I support the proposal that the report be revised and submitted through the Minister of Employment and Labour, ensuring that the voice of the community is not only acknowledged but actively embedded in all chambers and processes of Nedlac going forward.