Draft National Economic Development and Labour Council Bill Published for Comment

Posted 07 November 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Labour

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Employment & Labour has invited public comment on the draft National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) Bill. The proposed legislation is intended to replace the existing framework established under the National Economic Development and Labour Council Act, No. 35 of 1994.

The draft Bill, which was approved for public consultation by Cabinet on 17 September 2025, aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the council. A primary feature of the proposed legislation is the empowerment of the Minister of Employment and Labour to make regulations regarding admission and membership thresholds. These regulations are expected to be developed through a public participation process to ensure broader representation within the council’s structures.

Key objectives of the draft NEDLAC Bill include:

  • Repealing the National Economic Development and Labour Council Act, No. 35 of 1994 in its entirety;
  • Providing for a more transparent system of admission for social partners;
  • Establishing clear membership thresholds for participating organisations; and
  • Updating the governance and administrative frameworks of the council to align with current regulatory standards.

Written submissions and inputs on the draft Bill must be submitted to the Department of Employment & Labour by no later than 28 November 2025.

Click here to view the official notice and draft Bill details.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, professionals serving on NEDLAC sub-committees should monitor the transition for changes to procedural rules.
  • For your business: Professional firms or industry bodies currently represented in NEDLAC must evaluate the proposed membership thresholds to determine if they will meet the new criteria for continued participation.
  • For your clients: Clients in organised business or labour sectors should prepare submissions by the 28 November 2025 deadline to influence the final regulations governing council admission.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/nedlac-draft-bill-out-for-comment

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