Highlights & Programme
Ekurhuleni 1, 2 & 3
07:00 - 08:15 | Registration & Welcome Refreshments
Attendees check in and enjoy welcome snacks while networking with peers and industry leaders.
08:15 - 08:30 | Opening Remarks & Welcome
Conference Chair – Connie Phakedi, Managing Director: Phakedi Attorneys Incorporated
- Brief introduction and acknowledgment of key dignitaries and attendees.
- Overview of the summit’s purpose and theme.
08:30 - 09:30 | Keynote Address
Speaker: Professor Mpfariseni Budeli-Nemakonde, Executive Dean: College of Law, University of South Africa
The Development of Labour Law in South Africa: Key Milestones, Jurisprudential Insights, and Practical Lessons from 30 Years of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995”
Discussion Points:
- The Evolution of the LRA (1995 – 2025): Key amendments and legislative reforms over the years.
- Industrial Action and Strike Management: Balancing employee rights with economic stability.
- Digitalisation and Non-Standard Employment: The impact of technological advancements on labour law.
- Labour Law Compliance and Enforcement: Addressing persistent challenges and regulatory solutions.
- Future Prospects: The need for legal adaptation in an evolving labour market.
09:30 - 10:15 | Special Address: Extending social and labour law protection to vulnerable workers in South Africa: a reflection on 30 years of democracy
Speaker: Professor Elmarie Fourie, Head of Department: Public Law, University of Johannesburg. Director: Centre for International and Comparative Labour and Social Security Law (CICLASS) Faculty of Law.
10:15 - 10:30 | Morning Tea Break
10:30 - 11:15 | The Impact of Labour Laws on Workers: A Union Perspective on Social Justice and Workplace Rights
Speaker: Michael Madala Shingange, 1st Deputy President, COSATU and President, NEHAWU
Discussion Points:
- Discuss how COSATU-led efforts have helped bridge socio-economic disparities and uphold dignity in the workplace.
- COSATU’s vision for strengthening partnerships between unions, employers, and the government to foster collaboration and build a fairer, more stable work environment.
- Strategies to prepare for future workforce trends, such as automation and digitalisation, while ensuring that worker rights remain protected and relevant.
- Exploration of the role organised labour plays in advancing social justice within South African workplaces, especially for historically disadvantaged groups.
- Discussion of union initiatives aimed at reducing inequality, securing fair wages, and fostering inclusive work environments.
11:15 - 12:00 | Strengthening Public Sector Labour Relations: Central Collective Bargaining, Compliance, and Effective Dispute Resolution
Speakers: Frikkie De Bruin, General Secretary, Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC)
Discussion Points:
- Central collective bargaining's role and impact on public sector stability.
- Effectiveness of the PSCBC in promoting fair labour relations.
- Government strategies for compliance and enforcement of PSCBC resolutions.
- Addressing prolonged suspensions and disciplinary processes in the public sector.
- Future initiatives for a fair, stable public sector workforce.
Identifying current challenges faced by public sector employees, including budget constraints, workload pressures, and job security concerns
12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch and Networking
13:00 - 13:45 | The Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995: Advancing the Right to Fair Labour Practices, Strengthening Procedural and Substantive Fairness in Misconduct Cases, and the Evolution of Dismissal Law – A Trade Union Perspective
Speaker: Mr. Waheed Hoosen, Vice-President: Development at Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), and General Secretary at Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA).
Discussion Points:
- The extent to which the LRA has advanced the right to fair labour practices as enshrined in Section 23 of the Constitution.
- Challenges faced by trade unions in ensuring that disciplinary hearings are conducted fairly, and strategies for strengthening worker representation in disciplinary proceedings.
- The effectiveness and accessibility of pre-dismissal arbitration (Section 188A of the LRA) as an alternative to conventional disciplinary hearings.
- The extent to which trade unions have utilised Section 188A to ensure procedural fairness and prevent unfair dismissals.
- The challenges and opportunities for trade unions in exercising representation rights in misconduct-related dismissals.
- The extent to which the LRA has strengthened worker protections and aligned with international labour law standards.
Ekurhuleni 1, 2 & 3
Ekurhuleni 5
13:45 - 14:30 | Addressing Strike Violence: Reforming Legal and Policy Approaches for a Safer Tomorrow
Speaker: Neil Coetzer, Head of Employment Department, Cowan-Harper Madikizela Attorneys
Discussion Points:
- Identifying the systemic causes of strike violence within South Africa’s industrial relations landscape.
- Reviewing the effectiveness and limitations of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) in curbing violent strike action.
- Discussing case studies and the role of employers, unions, and law enforcement in reducing violence.
- Recommending legislative reforms and enforcement strategies that balance the constitutional right to strike with societal safety and economic stability.
- Building collaborative frameworks among employers, unions, and the government for constructive dispute resolution.
13:45 - 14:30 | Critical Assessment of the Effectiveness of South Africa’s Labour Law Dispute Resolution Forums: Insights and Strategic Perspectives
Speaker: Tanya Venter, CEO, Tokiso Dispute Settlement
Discussion Points:
1. The Role and Evolution of Dispute Resolution Forums in South Africa:
- Overview of the CCMA, Bargaining Councils, Labour Court, and Labour Appeal Court.
- Their evolution and impact on labour relations in South Africa.
2. Effectiveness of the Forums:
- Evaluating how these forums have delivered on their mandate to resolve disputes efficiently and equitably.
- Challenges such as delays, accessibility, and capacity constraints.
3. Strategic Enhancements:
- Opportunities to enhance the functionality and inclusivity of these forums.
- Aligning South Africa’s forums with international best practices to address evolving workplace dynamics.
14:30 - 15:15 | Key Lessons from Three Decades of Legislative Amendments to the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995, and Their Impact on Workplace Relations: Reflections on Policy, Compliance, and the Future of Labour Law
Speaker: Sean Snyman, Managing Director: Snyman Attorneys
National President: South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)
Discussion Items:
- Analysing the Legislative Intent and Policy Objectives Behind Key Amendments
- Assessing How These Amendments Have Influenced Labour Rights, Collective Bargaining, and Dispute Resolution
- How Courts Have Shaped the Practical Application of LRA Amendments
- Have Amendments Achieved Their Intended Equilibrium?
- Identifying Shortcomings in Legislative Amendments and Their Unintended Consequences
14:30 - 15:15 | University of Johannesburg Student Session
Chair: Prof Elmarie Fourie
Expanding the safety net: a case for unemployment insurance for street traders in the informal economy.
Speaker: Ms Katleho Letsiri, Lecturer and LLD candidate
Religious public holidays and the rights to religious freedom and equality
Speaker: Ms Nicole Deokiram, Lecturer and LLD candidate
15:15 - 15:30 | Afternoon Tea Break
15:30 – 16.15 | A Perspective: Labour Laws and Economic Growth
“Balancing Labour Law Compliance and Economic Development: Business Insights on Labour Relations and Productivity"
Speaker: Dr Thulani Ngele, General Manager, People Relations, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
Discussion Points:
- The influence of labour laws on economic growth and competitiveness.
- How compliance with the LRA, BCEA, and EEA affects business operations and labour relations.
- Insights on creating harmonious workplaces while supporting economic growth.
15:30 – 15:45 | University of Johannesburg Student Session
Chair: Prof Elmarie Fourie
Portability of social security benefits for migrant construction workers in SADC
Speaker: Mr Lovemore Mabiza, LLD Candidate
Labour and Social Protections for Platform Workers
Speaker: Mr Tsadok Yehudah, LLM Research Candidate
Enforcing labour rights in the food services sector
Speaker: Dr Louis Koen
Ekurhuleni 1, 2 & 3
16:15 – 17:15 | Closing Commentary – Reimagining Workplace Justice: Advancing Reform, Restoring Balance, and Strengthening Collaboration
Speaker: Magate Phala, Director, Magate Phala & Associates
Acknowledging the gains achieved in individual rights and dismissal law, while confronting ongoing challenges such as inefficient disciplinary processes, protracted precautionary suspensions, and the diminishing role of organised labour. This Summit’s strategic vision to foster collaboration between government, business, and labour in driving compliance, fairness, and inclusive economic growth.
17:15 – 17:30 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Speaker: Conference Chair
- Summary of key takeaways from the summit.
- Future actions and collaborative efforts in labour law and compliance.
- Appreciation for speakers, sponsors, and attendees.
17:30 | Networking Reception
An opportunity for attendees to connect.
Musical Performance By:
Advocate Nante (Ferdinand) Diedericks SC (Retired)
B IUR, LLB, LLM (University of the Free State & UNISA)
With 47 years in legal practice, Adv. Nante Diedericks SC has served as an Attorney, Magistrate, Senior Advocate (SC), and Acting High Court Judge. Renowned for his legal and judicial expertise, he has made a lasting impact on South African law. Now retired from legal practice, he remains a respected figure in the legal community.
Beyond law, he is a professional musician, formerly a member of the Triple A Band (20 years) and now a solo artist, proficient in multiple instruments. His career embodies a remarkable blend of legal excellence and musical artistry.
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